Silver Irish "St Bridget's" Cross Brooch

Retail Value: $55.99

Meaning of Design

Saint Bridget: is one of the most beloved saints of Ireland.Her feast day is February 1st, the first day of spring in Ireland. The Celtic spring festival, Imbolg, honors her. In pagan times it celebrated the rebirth of spring and the arrival of new life. This festival was later brought into the Christian church as Candlemas or Lady Day and her feast day, La Fheil Bhride, was celebrated with rejoicing and rituals. A new myth built up around her and the cross that is now associated with her. It is said that Brigid built the first Irish convent beside a giant oak tree in County Kildare.  She was the daughter of a pagan chieftain, a stubborn non-believer.  While he was dying Brigid stood watch, occupying her hands with the weaving of the straw crosses we now associate so much with her.  When her father asked her what she was doing, she explained how the story of Christ was reflected in the humble cross.  Her father, overcome, became a Christian on his deathbed.Today, St Brigid's day is still celebrated in Ireland.  Rushes are collected and the crosses woven and placed over doorways and in outbuildings to ward off evil and bring blessings to the home.