On February 1, the Irish people celebrate St. Brigid's Day. The holiday has its origins in a pagan festival called Imbolc, which marks the beginning of spring after a long dark winter. It ushers in a season of abundance, the sowing of crops and the lambing season for farmers. Fertility and Brigid's divine femininity are also celebrated on this traditional day. In ancient Ireland, the holiday was marked by the use of candles and fire to signify the return of sunshine and cleansing. Indeed, we still know it as a time for a 'spring cleaning'!
Do you already know these five facts about St. Brigid Day?
1. ST. BRIGID is one of the three patron saints of Ireland, alongside St Columba and the world famous St Patrick. According to Christian tradition, when St Brigid was freed from slavery by the King of Leinster, she asked him to build a monastery on land in County Kildare, asking only as much land as her little mantle could cover. The king laughed at her humble favor and accepted it, but Brigid and her followers stretched the cloak over all the plains of Kildare! According to tradition, a piece of the legendary cloak of St. Brigid is kept as a relic in the St. Salvator's Cathedral in Bruges.
2. BRIGID'S CROSS , a lesser-known symbol of Ireland, is made from woven wild rushes and is traditionally placed over the front door to protect a home from damage. Like St. Brigid, the cross and its symbolism are said to date back to ancient times. Weaving Brigid's Crosses continues to be a popular springtime activity in Ireland.
3. KILDARE
To this day the plains of Kildare are often referred to as St Brigid's Pastures. County Kildare is known for its country houses, beautiful gardens, luxury golf and for being the heart of Ireland's horse racing community as it is home to the National Stud.
4. IRISH WOMEN'S DAY
St. Brigid is an iconic figure in Irish culture, one of its patron saints and one of the many inspiring and powerful women who have shaped the story of Ireland. Today, many celebrate the day by honoring today's brilliant, trailblazing women. The video below showcases some of Ireland's notable women as part of Ireland's St Brigid's Day celebrations.
5. BRIGID'S GARDEN
Brigid's Garden is a magical place in Roscahill, County Galway. This family-friendly attraction has four gardens that represent different Celtic festivals. Visitors can explore the four gardens, each of which represents one of the Celtic festivals of Samhain, Imbolc, Bealtaine and Lughnasa. Designed to reflect the landscape of the west of Ireland, these wildlife gardens are dotted with reconstructions of an ancient society:buildings, paths and willow sculptures.
