On St Brigid’s Day, the residents engaged in making S Brigid’s Crosses. This was as skill that many remembered from their school days. For those that needed help there was ‘hands on’ demonstration from Eithne and also a very usual YouTube clip!

St Brigid’s Day celebrates Ireland’s only female patron saint on February 1 and most people will be familiar with the popular tradition of making crosses in St Brigid’s honour. With its origins in the Celtic festival of Imbolc, St Brigid’s Day was the festival of fertility and marked the beginning of spring in Ireland. It signalled an end to the darkness of winter and ushered in a new season of hope and growth.

Resident told of the traditional belief that St Brigid crossed through the land on the eve of her feast day and gave blessings and protection to homes and farms where crosses were hung in her honour.
There were many regional styles and variations throughout Ireland with different materials used. Families would recite prayers, bless the rushes or straw with holy water and then each make the crosses. They would hang them over the door and around the home to welcome St Brigid.

Residents made crosses to keep in their own rooms but also as gifts for visitors.