Brigid's Cross

My best-selling item, Brigid's crosses, are associated with Brigid of Kildare, who is venerated as one of the patron saints of Ireland. The crosses are traditionally made on 1 February, Lá Fhéile Bhríde (St. Brigid's feast day), the day of her liturgical celebration. This feast coincides with the more ancient one of her pagan namesake, one of Ireland's most important Goddesses, Brigid, who is associated with fire, poetry, healing and holy wells; it celebrates the earliest stirrings of Spring, and is called Imbolc. The equal arm crosses express the motion of the Sun Wheel as well as the later interpretations.

Brigid's Crosses are traditionally placed at the entrance to cottages or outbuildings, and in kitchens and at hearthside, to protect homes, animals and loved ones; it is believed that a Brigid's Cross protects a house from fire and evil. It is hung in many Irish and Irish-American kitchens for this purpose. My Brigid Crosses are made from reeds I cut in coastal Rhode Island. They get dressed in different wraps to mark the seasons!