Brigid's Day Magic: Talismans, Crosses, Murals & Mythology
Brigid's Day... It's more than just a date on the calendar; it's a whisper of magic woven into the fabric of Ireland's rich tapestry of traditions. As an artist immersing myself, in Brigid's stories is like embarking on a journey through time and legend.
Brigid isn't just a figure from folklore; she's a symbol of resilience, creativity and the enduring spirit of womanhood. In Irish mythology, she is revered, as the Celtic goddess of hearth, home and the artistic flame—a beacon of light guiding us through the long winter and darkest of nights, towards the promise of Spring.
Her legacy doesn't end there. Over the centuries, her story intertwined with the spread of Christianity in Ireland, as ancient pagan customs survived and adapted, blending with the teachings of the Church. Today, she stands as Ireland's beloved patron saint, revered for her countless miracles and acts of compassion.
One of her most cherished traditions—the crafting of Brigid's Day crosses. These crosses, woven from rushes gathered from Ireland’s boggy grasslands, hold deep symbolism in Irish folklore. Legend has it that Brigid herself wove these crosses from the rushes as a symbol of protection and blessings for homes and farms.
As I venture into the lush fields and meadows beyond my studio, gathering rushes for my own crosses, I can't help but feel a sense of kinship with generations of women who have performed this ritual for centuries.
For Brigid's Day crosses are more than just decorations; they're talismans of hope, woven with prayers and blessings for the year ahead.
In more recent times, Brigid's Day has regained a special significance in Ireland, now revered as the nation's newest annual national holiday since 2023. This marks a poignant triumph for all Mná (women in Irish), representing a monumental stride towards unity and equality by according equal reverence to Ireland’s Celtic Goddess and patron, Saint Brigid equal alongside the renowned St. Patrick. The campaign spearheaded by Herstory since 2019, has gathered momentum through petitions, political lobbying and media engagement, culminating in this historic achievement.
The sentiment of contemporary celebrations is rooted in reawakening ancient traditions and embracing unity.
As we delve into the collective legends of Irish ancestry that reveal insights into our values and beliefs. Brigid emerges as a pan-European goddess, symbolizing healing, fire, and poetry. In Ireland, she represents the epitome of feminine power, bridging the gap between ancient mythology and modern iconography.
Brigid's journey from goddess to saint embodies the essence of unity and balance, urging us to transcend cultural stereotypes and embrace our unique talents. She symbolizes the perfect harmony between masculine and feminine energies, reminding us of our interconnectedness with nature and each other.
In old Irish tradition on the eve of the festival and in old Irish tradition, a member of the household usually the eldest girl went out to collect rushes. The gatherer would then lay the rushes on the doorstep of the house, knock on the door and walk around the exterior of the house three times before calling out “Get down on your knees, open your eyes and let Brigid in” while those on the interior of the house replied ‘’Welcome! Welcome!”
After an evening feast, these rushes were then woven into shapes such as crosses, eyes and sun wheels. These shapes were thought to offer protection from fire, lightening, infectious diseases and the evil eye.
These’s were left out overnight to receive Brigid's blessing, on Brigid’s Day the 1 of February, the woven symbols and crosses would be mounted in the main dwelling place, outhouses and stables. It was believed that no evil could pass the charm when it was hung above doorways.
In the annals of Irish tradition, Brigid's Day holds a special place as a festival of fertility and new life. Its origins can be traced back to the ancient Celtic festival of Imbolc, a pivotal point in the Celtic Wheel of the Year. Imbolc signifies the awakening of the land from its winter slumber, bursting forth with the promise of growth and abundance, the onset of spring and the renewal of life.
Traditionally a time when communities come together to honour Brigid, Ireland's beloved saint and symbol of compassion and renewal. Through age-old customs like crafting Brigid's crosses and lighting candles, Imbolc embodies the enduring connection between humanity and the cycles of nature, offering hope and blessings for the year ahead.
Long before Brigid was canonized as a saint, she was revered as a goddess, known as the patroness of poets, blacksmiths, and livestock. Her name, meaning "high" or "exalted one," reflects the adoration bestowed upon her by generations of Irish folk.
Another cherished custom is the dressing of the Brideóg, a whimsical effigy often fashioned from a butter churn, or made from straw with a white cloak symbolizing the saint's nurturing and protective spirit.
In some regions, masked revellers known as "Biddy boys" would go from house to house, spreading merriment and collecting offerings towards a community party.
But perhaps the most enduring symbol of St. Brigid's Day is the sacred well, where devotees seek healing and blessings from the saint's holy waters. Ribbons, trinkets and prayers left at these wells are imbued with the promise of fertility, protection and renewal.
As the wheel turns and the seasons shift welcoming the arrival of spring and the promise of new beginnings, let us seek out the magic of Imbolc. May Brigid’s gentle spirit guide us through the darkness, illuminating our path with hope, joy and the promise of a abundant year ahead, with open hearts and open minds, kindling the flame of creativity, nourishing the seeds of inspiration, in her light, we find the courage to dream, the strength to persevere, and the wisdom to walk a path of trust in ourselves.
Brigid's Day transcended mere customs and traditions; it embodied the essence of community and connection, drawing people together to celebrate the rebirth of spring and the promise of new beginnings.
Alongside my Minaw Collective Sisters, we were asked to paint a Brigid themed in Portarlington, Co. Laois as part of the towns new Brigid Day Festival.
This Brigid's Day festival in Portarlington marks the beginning of a new tradition in the town. In collaboration between the Laois County Arts Office and the Port Art Collective, the day unfolded into a vibrant celebration. The build-up invited participants to engage in the arts with eco-friendly workshops, craft demonstrations and live performances. From poetry readings by acclaimed women poets to the electrifying tunes of female-led bands amidst the lively street painting jam, the celebration is a testament to the power of art to unite communities, ignite imaginations and celebrate the diverse spectrum of human creativity and expression.
Febuary 1st 2024, Brigid’s Day Portarlington, Co. Laois.
As I embarked on the journey of creating the mural for Brigid's Day, I found inspiration in the rich symbolism and traditions associated with this revered Celtic goddess. In my design, Brigid stands adorned with a blue cloak resembling the twilight night sky, adorned with golden stars that dance and twinkle against the backdrop of darkness. At her side rests a gentle lamb, symbolizing her role as a guardian of livestock and a protector of animals.
In her hands, she cradles a flickering candle, a timeless beacon of enlightenment and the returning light that emerges from the darkness of winter into the blossoming spring. As the flames sway and dance, they cast a gentle glow, illuminating the path ahead with a comforting warmth and radiance. It's a symbol of hope, guiding us through the shadows and uncertainties, and reminding us that brighter days lie ahead.
Behind Brigid, a vibrant circular vine of Celtic knot work hearts, symbolizing the eternal bond of love, unity and interconnectedness, reflecting the love and devotion that Brigid embodies as the goddess of hearth and home. At the centre of this Celtic heart wreath spins a four-armed Brigid's cross, a potent symbol of protection, blessings and the eternal cycle of life. As I painted I felt the celebrations and merriment build around me I reflected on the connection to the ancient traditions and rituals that have honoured Brigid for centuries, infusing the mural with the spirit of celebration and reverence for this beloved goddess.
Together, these elements weave a tapestry of symbolism and tradition, honouring the spirit of Brigid and celebrating the timeless wisdom of Celtic culture. It is my hope that this mural will serve as a beacon of light and inspiration, inviting all who behold it to embrace the magic and beauty of Brigid's Day.
In Irish folklore, the legends of the fairy folk and Brigid often intertwine, adding layers of magic and mystery to the tales surrounding this beloved saint. According to tradition, Brigid was said to have been born at sunrise, with a cloak of fairies wrapping her in a shimmering embrace. It is believed that she was blessed by the fairy folk, who bestowed upon her the gifts of healing, creativity and protection. Some legends even claim that Brigid had a special connection with the fairy realm, able to communicate with the fae and seek their guidance in times of need. In return, Brigid was said to offer hospitality to the fairies, leaving out offerings of milk and bread to honour their presence. The stories of Brigid and the fairy folk evoke a sense of wonder and enchantment, highlighting the deep spiritual connection between the natural world and the supernatural realm in Irish folklore.
In Irish mythology, Brigid is sometimes depicted as the daughter of the Dagda, who is a prominent figure among the Tuatha Dé Danann, a mythical race in Irish folklore who are said to have arrived by ‘flying ships’ that landed on Sliabh an Iarainn which makes up part of the iron mountain range where I call home in county Leitrim. The Dagda is often portrayed as a powerful and benevolent deity associated with fertility, agriculture and the cycle of life. According to some traditions, Brigid's mother is said to be the goddess Danu, the divine mother of the Tuatha Dé Danann. This lineage connects Brigid to the rich mythology of ancient Ireland, where she is revered as a goddess of hearth, home, poetry and healing.
As we gather in celebration of Brigid's spirit, we honour our heritage while embracing new traditions. Through art, we forge connections that transcend time and space, uniting communities and igniting imaginations. May Brigid's light continue to guide us, illuminating our path with hope, joy and the promise of a brighter tomorrow, where equality thrives and the voices of women are heard and celebrated.
Happy Imbolc!
Watch on YouTube:
This blog post has been adapted from the script of my latest YouTube video upload. Watch the video to explore the illustrated version and delve into the traditions surrounding Brigid Day Crosses. Learn how to weave your very own cross and discover the rich heritage behind this ancient tradition.
