St Brigids Day is a Gaelic tranditional festival
celebrated on February 1st, marking the beginning of Spring. It is one of
the four Gaelic seasonal festivals, along with: Bealtaine, Lughnasadh and
Samhain. On St Brigid's Eve, Brigid was said to visit virtuous households
and bless the inhabitants. As Brigid represented the light half of the
year, and the power that will bring people from the dark season of winter
into spring, her presence was very important at this time of year. Before
going to bed, people would leave items of clothing or strips of cloth
outside for Brigid to bless. The clothes or strips of cloth would be
brought inside, and believed to now have powers of healing and protection.
Although many of its cutoms died out in the 20th century, it is still
observed by Christians as a religious holiday. Traditionally, people made
"St Brigids Crosses" out of woven rushes on this day.
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