About St. Brigid
St. Brigid of Kildare is the Patron Saint of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians. She is one of Ireland’s three Patron Saints, along with St. Patrick and St. Colmcille. Although much about St. Brigid remains unknown, her legacy of respect and reverence has made her the patroness of numerous parishes, towns, and counties, not only in Ireland but also throughout Europe and the Americas.
St. Brigid is symbolized by a small cross made of rushes, similar to how the shamrock is associated with St. Patrick. This cross is said to have been woven by St. Brigid while she explained the passion of Christ to a dying pagan, who was baptized before his death. These crosses are still crafted today and placed in the rafters of cottages on St. Brigid’s feast day, February 1, as a protective measure against harm. The LAOH honors St. Brigid on her feast day with a mass.
St. Brigid Customs
St. Brigid’s Cross
January 31st, the eve of St. Brigid’s Day, was once known as “Oidhe na Cruha” the night of the crosses. Her memory is honored by people who weave crosses from rushes or straw. A St. Brigid’s Cross made from new straw is hung above the door, and the old one is burned in the hearth. Just as the shamrock is associated with St. Patrick, so is the tiny cross made of rushes linked to St. Brigid. While explaining the Passion to a dying pagan, she wove a cross from the rushes thrown about the floor. The man was baptized before he died.These “Saint Brigid” crosses are believed to bestow the Saint’s special blessings on your households.
St. Brigid’s Cloak
A favorite Kildare story concerns the founding of Her abbey. It seems that St. Brigid had acquired such a reputation for good works that the local king was obligated to reward her. To prove his magnanimity, he offered Brigid as much land as her mantle could cover. With a knowing smile, the good woman spread her cloak on the ground. Much to the chieftain’s dismay, the garment grew until it covered the entire hill!
St. Brigid’s Mantle
In very traditional homes, two devout practices are still observed on the Eve of St. Brigid’s Feast Day (February 1st). A strip of cloth called “brat Bhride” (Brigid’s mantle) is hung outside the door. A loaf of oat bread baked in the shape of a cross and a sheaf of straw are left on the windowsill. For on that night, Brigid travels through the land with her red-eared cow bestowing blessings on those who keep the old ways.
St. Brigid’s Well
On St. Brigid’s Day pilgrims visit the numerous holy wells, which are associated with the saint.
There is a St. Brigid’s Well in Ardagh in County Longford. Here, in order to demonstrate her prowess as a miracle worker to Saint Patrick, she carried a burning coal in her apron and in the spot where she dropped it the holy well sprang up.
Legend holds it that the saint placed her foot in a spring outside the village of Liscannor by the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare. Waters warmed; weather improved. Cows filled with milk; butter production expanded. To this day, pilgrims gather at Lisconnor’s well on Brigid’s feast Day to beseech the saint’s blessing.