Saint Brigid's Crosses are made all over Ireland and adorn the walls beside the entrances to many Irish homes. Our journeys to and fro are blessed by Mary of the Gael, as Saint Brigid is often called.
These Irish crosses are made with interwoven rushes, and this cross is supposed to keep fire, hunger and all things evil away from the homes where it is displayed.
Table of Contents
Saint Brigid's Day
Saint Brigid's Day is fast approaching, and to celebrate this amazing Irish woman our giveaway this week is for a beautiful framed printable for the home, featuring a Saint Brigid's Cross, a treasured symbol of Ireland, first created by this beloved Irish saint.
Before we get in to the details of our giveaway, let's first explore a little more about Brigid of Kildare.
Feast Day on February 1st
We commemorate St. Brigid on her feast day is of February 1st because it is the anniversary of her death in the year 525.
Part fact, part fiction, part myth, and part legend, she will always be a fascinating figure to me, and for many Irish the world over.
Did you know she is a patron saint of Ireland? Yes, that's correct. That honor is not only bestowed on Saint Patrick, but his female counterpart is held in equally high esteem.
Often you hear her referred to as "Mary of the Gael" because she is renowned for her kind and selfless acts and no greater honor can be bestowed upon her, than to call her after the Mother of Christ.
Irish gifts often feature the distinctive cross woven of reeds for which she is most famous. Legend tells us she converted a dying man to Christianity by weaving a cross like this from the reeds on the floor beside his bed.
An old pagan cheiftain was dying. He had heard stories of a saintly woman in the area and asked his servants to summon her to sit with him as he lay on his deathbed.
St. Brigid's presence, and her calming words brought peace to his dying soul and eased his restless spirit. As she was weaving this unique cross, she talked about its meaning. The old chieftain found comfort and died a peaceful death.
A simple rush cross holds mythical significance in Ireland and is a beloved Christian symbol first created by the patroness of Ireland.
Children in Ireland often make crosses for Saint Brigid's Day in school using reeds, or chenille straws (pipe cleaners).
Brigid's father was a Celtic Druid and Chieftain, but her mother was a Christian slave. The old story of her birth tells how she was born as her mother stood in a doorway with one leg inside the house and one leg outside the house. Perhaps this is why we hang Saint Brigid's crosses beside our doorways. She holds sway over the world inside the houseand outside, from the very time of her birth.
A Generous Spirit
From the time Brigid was a little girl she was renowned for her generosity, which caused much trouble for her with her father. She simply kept giving his riches away.
We are told that once the benevolent Brigid gave away her mother's entire store of butter. But lo and behold, the complete stock was miraculously replaced, and no one could explain from where the heavenly butter came.
Her father's patience was tried and tested as she frequently parted with his precious belongings without asking for his permission.
Whether fact or fiction, all stories of Brigid concur that she was a very open-hearted girl whose acts of kindness and generosity plagued her father. She shared his abundant stores of milk, butter, and meat with beggars who came to their door.
Proposed Marriage Of Saint Brigid
To solve his problem her father decided the best solution was to marry her off to another man. His attitude was to let his daughter distribute another man's wealth instead of his own, by offering her as a bride. Brigid wanted to become a nun, and marriage was not in her plans.
Brigid and her father traveled by chariot to meet the King of Leinster. While her father went to discuss the marriage contract with the King, he left Brigid and his sword with a magnificent bejeweled bronze scabbard in the chariot. A weapon would not have been appropriate at the King's table.
A leper approached Brigid asking for alms. Brigid looked around the chariot, but there was no food to be found. Instead she handed him her father's precious sword, advising him to sell it for money to buy food.
You can just imagine the rage that came upon her father on discovering his missing sword.
The King of Leinster realized he may be taking on more than he bargained for so he questioned Brigid, "Will you also give away my riches too?"
Her famous response was:
"I would give all the wealth of Ireland away to the poor to serve the King of Heaven."
Well, that put an end to the marriage deal, and Brigid was granted her wish of becoming a nun.
Becoming A Bishop, Not A Nun
The officiating Bishop at Brigid's ordination was Mel, not Patrick. Mel traveled to Ireland with Patrick on his second evangelizing mission to the Emerald Isle. The cathedral in Longford town is named after him.
As Brigid approached Mel to take the veil, he witnessed a pillar of flame rising from her head. He was so perplexed by the site, he confused his prayers and recited the ordination prayer for a Bishop instead of the blessing for a nun.
The crowd were shocked and objected to the ordination of a woman as a Bishop. They wanted Mel to rescind his blessing. But Saint Mel stood his ground. He claimed his error was God's work. And that Brigid would remain a Bishop of the Church.
An Abbey In Kildare Where The Arts Flourished
County Kildare in Leinster is closely associated with Saint Brigid although she traveled the length and breadth of Ireland.
She founded her abbey in Kildare, and she cleverly chose an ancient site that was sacred to the Celts and the Druids. The abbey was built on the site associated with the pre-Christian Celtic goddess Brigid.
She was known as Brigid of the Tuatha de Danaan and in Celtic mythology she was associated with life giving gifts, spring and the old Celtic holiday of Imbolc. We actually celebrate Saint Brigid's Day at Imbolc each year.
This abbey boasted a very active scriptorium, the writing room where books, legends and the bible were transcribed. The most famous Irish manuscript today is the Book of Kells, but did you know there also was a Book of Kildare, produced at Saint Brigid's Abbey.
Magnificently illuminated and decorated with ornate metal work, legend has it that this book was the work of angels. Unfortunately it is one of Ireland's treasures that was lost forever at the time of the Dissolution of the Monasteries.
A Blessing For The Home
To mark Saint Brigid's love of art, I thought this beautiful print is the perfect prize for this week's giveaway.
This print features a St Brigid's Cross plus a beautiful Irish blessing for the home.
Let us remember her generosity, her love of the arts and ask her to bless our homes, as we celebrate our Irish heritage with her through this little giveaway.
We looked at another Irish house blessing a few weeks ago, but this one is just as meaninful.
Brigid's Blessing
May Brigid bless the house wherein you dwell
Bless every fireside every wall and door
Bless every heart that beats beneath its roof
Bless every hand that toils to bring it joy
Bless every foot that walks its portals through
May Brigid bless the house that shelters you.
As a strong, independent and generous Irish woman, Brigid remains an inspiration for Irish people all over the world. This print is a wonderful reminder of our Irish roots.
Celtic and Fantasy Art By Kevin Dyer
Kevin Dyer is an artist based in Georgia, who creates beautiful Celtic inspired works. Here's how he describes his inspirations on his Etsy page:
"I am something of a student of ancient art and particularly interested in Celtic history, but I am not interested in reproducing artifacts or furthering a traditional technique.
There was an original impulse for man to do art in the first place. Images and objects that take us out of our day to day consciousness. A magic icon or at least a feeling that allowed the viewer to step out of the ordinary world of words and survival and allow a more ancient wisdom to arise. I am looking for that magic."
Here's a small collection of his beautiful work.
You'll find many more spectacular pieces in his Etsy shop.
He also sells through Amazon and here's a link to one of his Saint Brigid's Crosses.
The Giveaway
One lucky reader will win a Saint Brigid's Cross Digital print with Brigid's Blessing. This is a digital print of Kevin Dyer's original cast paper work.
This reed or straw woven cross is associated with Brigid of Kildare, a patron saint of Ireland and with an older pagan goddess Brigid, represented by a sun wheel. It is said to protect a home from fire and is often hung in kitchens for that purpose or at doorways to bless those as they come and as they go.
This print is framed with glass in a high-quality anodized aluminum frame with dimensions of 8″ x 12″. This blessing is printed on high-quality paper for a beautiful luster.
To enter simply leave a comment on this blog post by noon Eastern Time on Monday, February 1st, 2021, Saint Brigid's Day.
Any comment will do. What you write does not affect your chance of winning, but if you need inspiration why not tell us if you have a favorite Irish saint or role model.
A winning comment will be chosen randomly. Remember to leave your e-mail so that I can contact you should you win. Your e-mail won't be published, just used to contact our lucky contestant for mailing of the prize.
The winner will be announced on Monday, February 1st, 2021, at the bottom of this blog post.
You may check out Irish American Mom's complete terms and conditions for sweepstakes' entries by clicking here.
Thank you to all who support this giveaway and share it with family and friends who may also enjoy some stories of Ireland, and the Irish in America.
Update: Winner Chosen
Our winner has been randomly chosen using the Pick Giveaway Winner Plug-in for WordPress.
And the lucky reader is ….
Colleen
I'll send an email to arrange mailing of her prize.
A total of five readers named Colleen entered the giveaway. The winning Colleen left the following comment:
"This is really lovely, thank you. Although my middle name is after Patrick, I've always felt more of a kinship with Brigid."
A big thank you to everyone for supporting this giveaway by leaving comments. I thoroughly enjoyed reading each and every one.
Thank you all for supporting our Irish American community. I hope you enjoyed learning about the meaning the cross and exploring some stories of St Brigid.
Stay tuned for more stories and giveaways over the coming weeks and months.
Here are some stories of Ireland you might enjoy.
An Irish Tour Following in the Footsteps of Saint Brigid
11 Things to Do in Dublin Ireland You Don't Want to Miss
History of Shrove Tuesday And Pancake Day Plus Old Irish Traditions
Thanks for following my recipes and ramblings.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Mairéad -Irish American Mom
Pronunciation - slawn ah-gus ban-ock-th
Mairéad - rhymes with parade
Disclosure: I do not have a direct financial relationship with Kevin Dyer. The links for purchasing this book are affiliate links to his Etsy shop, which means that if you should purchase this book through one of these links I will earn a small commission. This post reflects my honest and unbiased thoughts about his work. I publish these posts to help artists promote their Irish and Irish American themed work.
Here are some more recipes and ramblings you might enjoy…
Celeste Watt
Thank you for telling us about Saint Brigid. She is my favorite Irish saint.
Irish American Mom
Mine too, Celeste. She was an amazing woman, who I hope will inspire my daughter to strive to always do her very best.
Take care,
Mairéad
veronica vatter
This is beautiful and so is the story behind it. It is so easy for our history to be forgotten, and this is a wonderful way to remember.
Irish American Mom
Hi Veronica - I agree - it is so important to preserve our history and our cultural inheritance. Kevin Dyer's work is beautiful and a valuable contribution to preserving Irish heritage.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Patricia Horvath
Thank you for educating me about Saint Brigid. I didn’t know her story previously. My birthday is actually February 1st.
Patricia
Irish American Mom
Hi Patricia - I'm delighted this post helped introduce you to Saint Brigid, especially since you were born on her feast day. Many thanks for stopping by.
Mairéad
Gail McGillis
I can’t wait to try the Beef Barley Soup- I love barley! And reading your blog helps me decide where to go the next time I make it to Ireland!
Irish American Mom
Hi Gail - I hope you'll enjoy the beef barley soup or stew recipe I shared. I'm so glad you find my ramblings helpful and entertaining.
All the best,
Mairéad
Mary Therese Ladell
My youngest daughter is named Brigid! She would love this!
Irish American Mom
That's wonderful. This blessing would be perfect for her room. I love the detail in the woven cross on this print.
Thanks for stopping by.
All the best,
Mairéad
Karen
Fascinating history for sure! Thank you for sharing!
Irish American Mom
And thank you for stopping by to support our giveaway.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Mark Jones
Great information. Thank you for doing what you do. Slainte
Irish American Mom
Hi Mark - Thanks for stopping by to support this giveaway.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Joe Medina
What a lovely picture! My landlords are from Ireland and I would love to give them this to serve as both a blessing and as protection for them and all who enter their home.
Irish American Mom
Hi Joe - This would be such a meaningful gift for your Irish landlords. I really like Kevin's artwork and this piece caught my eye.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Colleen
This is really lovely, thank you. Although my middle name is after Patrick, I've always felt more of a kinship with Brigid.
Irish American Mom
Hi Colleen - Saint Patrick deserves praise, but I often think he gets credit for doing all the work of converting the Irish to Christianity, when he had a whole team of workers supporting him, including Saint Brigid. She truly is a role model for Irish women all over the world.
All the best,
Mairéad
Kandi
Thank you for all the information on this wonderful woman!
I’ve had a Brigid’s cross in my home for many many years but didn’t know the full story
Irish American Mom
Hi Kandi - It's lovely to hear you carry on this Irish tradition of hanging a Saint Brigid's cross in your home in America. I have a little bronze plaque by my door with a Saint Brigid's Cross. I love it.
Thanks for checking out this story of our patron saint.
All the best,
Mairéad
Brigid Noreen Pisani
My name is Brigid, I was named after my father’s cousin many a night he went to her house for a Ceile. I have memories as a wee girl going to her house and eating lovely buns and biscuits. My cousin loved to play the Fiddle. I grew to love my name as I grew up. My daughter took the name Brigid as a Confirmation name.
Irish American Mom
Hi Brigid - It's lovely to hear your daughter took the name of Brigid for her Confirmation and continued your family tradition of using the name Brigid. It sounds like your cousin, Brigid, took after her saintly namesake. She sounds like she was a wonderful hostess who enjoyed a good celebration and some real Irish music, just like Saint Brigid.
Thanks for stopping by to support this giveaway.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Susan Rasmussen
What a lovely story and the Blessing too!
Irish American Mom
Hi Susan - Thanks for stopping by this week to support our giveaway.
All the best,
Mairéad
TR Cook III, MD, DMD
One of my very few best friends and I flew together in the Corps. He is an Irish Catholic. He and his brother went to Dublin for a marathon race; though they had sent the exhorbitant registration fee, they were told the registration was closed; so they walked 26 miles stopping in every pub they encountered. Being Irish, they were booted from a few!
Irish American Mom
Hi TR - I hope your friends received their registration fee back to help fund their pub marathon - that's my kind of marathon, but I'd probably hit the wall after only a pub or two these days.
All the best,
Mairéad
Denise Clemente
Wonderful story. Thanks so much for sharing. St. Brigid is my favorite. Thanks for the opportunity. Have a great week. 🙂
Irish American Mom
Hi Denise - Thanks for stopping by to support this giveaway.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Bernadette Claire Brigid Murphy Bentley
Saint Brigid is my favorite saint! My grandmother from County Donegal is Brigid, my godmother from County Cavan is Brigid, and I took Brigid as my confirmation name. Thank you so much for holding this contest! I love your blog and look forward to it all the time especially the recipes, Irish American Mom!!!!
Irish American Mom
Hi Bernadette - You're named after three incredible saints, but Brigid is the Irish role model amongst them. Thanks for sharing your family links to the name Brigid. It's lovely to know you continued family tradition by choosing the name for your Confirmation.
Thanks so much for following my recipes and ramblings.
All the best,
Mairéad
Cindy Thomson
This is so beautiful. Brigid has influenced or been the subject of many of the books I've written. Happy St. Brigid's Day!
Irish American Mom
Hi Cindy - I think I have a copy of your book which I bought at the Irish Festival in Dublin, Ohio. We had a chat that day, I believe. Lovely to meet you again virtually. I just took a quick look at all your books listed on Goodreads. You have been busy writing. Well done, on publishing so many books and I love all the Irish themes you chose. Let me know if you ever wish to publish a guest post here, to introduce your work to readers here.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Audrey Stewart
This is so beautiful! I would love to win. I am an Irish Catholic...and proud of it.
Irish American Mom
Hi Audrey - This print would be perfect for your home. Lovely to hear you are proud of your cultural inheritance and traditions.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Amy
I now know through DNA that I am 66% Scot-Irish. My family came to America in the 17-1800’s. Last name Brolly/Broley and Robertson. I’ve always felt a strong pull towards Ireland. Thank you so much for the information on Saint Brigid. I now want to check on your books. Would love to win
Irish American Mom
Hi Amy - It sounds like Ireland is in your heart and in your blood, and all confirmed by your DNA testing. Thanks for sharing your family connections to Ireland, and thanks for stopping by to support this giveaway.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Shell
Thank you for sharing more of her story. I was always confused by the two Brigids and merged them to one unwittingly. I love stories of women who embraced their strength, yet retained their kindness.
Irish American Mom
Hi Shell - I think Brigid of Ireland and Bridget of Sweden often get confused. In Ireland, we're very proud of our patron saint, Brigid. There are many stories, legends and myths featuring her mystical feats, heroism and above all her generosity and kindness to the poor.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Linda
Saint Brigid, what an amazing woman. She is my favorite saint.
Irish American Mom
Hi Linda - I agree with you completely - an amazing woman for sure.
Thanks so much for following my recipes and ramblings.
All the best,
Mairéad
Sue M.
Thank you so much for this history of St. Bridget and early Ireland. My grandfather's sister was named Bridget. So nice to think of her today and St. Bridget.
Irish American Mom
Hi Sue - I'm glad this post brought back good memories of your aunt. Thanks for stopping by to support this giveaway.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Kelsey Briggs
Thank you for the lovely article about Saint Brigid and the opportunity to be entered into the giveaway!
Irish American Mom
Hi Kelsey - Thanks so much for following my recipes and ramblings, and for supporting our little giveaways. I really appreciate all of the readers who stop by this little corner of the internet.
All the best,
Mairéad
Kyle Buckley
Thank you for sharing this wonderful story! I especially love that it is a strong woman making her mark on the world!
Irish American Mom
Hi Kyle - I too admire that aspect of Saint Brigid's story. She was intimidated by nobody, not even her father.
Thanks for stopping by to support this giveaway.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Michele
Brigid is, of course, my favorite Saint. I love the story of 'Brigid's Mantle' and how she acquired the land for her abbey - such a clever woman! I would love to win the beautiful artwork and hang it beside my Brigid's Cross over my door.
Irish American Mom
Hi Michele - I love that story too. I need to write a post about that tale another day. There are so many stories of Saint Brigid worthy of a blog post all their own. I think this print would be perfect hanging next to your Saint Brigid's Cross.
Thanks for stopping by to check out this week's update.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Terry Goff
Thank you for posting the story of Saint Brigid, it was a good read.
Irish American Mom
And thank you, Terry, for taking the time to read it. I truly appreciate your support.
Thanks so much for following my recipes and ramblings.
All the best,
Mairéad
Laura Nasiatka
Greetings from Florida! I've never heard of Saint Brigid. Thank you for sharing this story! I can't wait to share with my mom!
Irish American Mom
Hi Laura - I'm so glad this post could introduce you to one of Ireland's favorite saints, and a woman for the ages. She was an amazing person who took care of the poor, but she also loved a good party.
Thanks so much for stopping by.
All the best,
Mairéad
Veronica O'Grady
Hello and thank you for sharing your blog and the wonderful story of St. Brigid. My husband and I both trace our roots to County Mayo and we reserve special places of honor in our home for symbols of Irish culture and heritage. We met while discussing the poetry of John O' Donohue, and I would love to share one of his blessings:
May all that is unforgiven in you
Be released.
May your fears yield
Their deepest tranquilities.
May all that is unlived in you
Blossom into a future
Graced with Love.
Irish American Mom
Hi Veronica - I so love John O'Donohue's writings and the quotation you've shared is just beautiful. You've given me inspiration for another giveaway to add to my calendar - I think many readers would appreciate his book Anam Chara.
Many thanks for stopping by and sharing your story of how you met your husband. Thanks so much for following my recipes and ramblings.
All the best,
Mairéad
Josie A.
Loved this post about St. Brigid. Although I’m Irish American, I didn’t hear much about St Brigid until I met an Irish American woman from Boston, Patricia, who became a dear friend. She told me more about St Brigid among many more pearls of Irish wisdom. Sadly she is no longer with us, but reading your post about St Brigid makes me feel that she is with me in spirit! Thank you!
Irish American Mom
Hi Josie - It's lovely to know that this little story of Saint Brigid brought back good memories of your beloved friend, Patricia. I'm so glad she introduced you to Ireland's patron saint.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Fiona
We need to revive our Christian heritage. I always invoke and ask the intercession of saints of whom St. Brigid of Ireland is one of them. Beautiful Irish Blessing of St. Brigid of Ireland with inspiring story.
Irish American Mom
Hi Fiona - I love the stories of our Christian heritage and how the Celtic people intertwined their new Christian faith with their old spiritual beliefs. There is no need to totally cast away the knowledge of the past as a culture transforms and evolves. I believe this is important in today's world. People are too quick to cast away our Christian heritage, forgetting how important it is as we grow and evolve as people. Hopefully, we can do our bit here to record some of this important spiritual heritage. Thanks so much for following my recipes and ramblings.
All the best,
Mairéad
A. Gallaghet
Thank you for the history of Saint Brigid. I have enjoyed reading this as I do so enjoy reading all irishamaeicanmom.com posts! My own dear mom delivered and raised twelve of us, her children. I’m pretty sure she is in the company of all the Saints and enjoys friendship with Bridgid!
Irish American Mom
Hi there - I think your mother may be enjoying a nice cup of tea with Saint Brigid in heaven. Or if your mom enjoyed a little drop of drink, them may be even sipping something a little stronger. Saint Brigid was a great ale maker and master brewer in her time. They're probably hosting a party in heaven as we write. Many thanks for stopping by and for following my blog. I truly appreciate your support.
All the best,
Mairéad
Laurel Ridlon
I wish I knew and read your blog before going to Ireland 3 years ago, but I hope to return, soon!
My mother’s family is from Ireland and I would like to spend more time visiting the areas where they lived!
Irish American Mom
Hi Laurel - I hope it won't be too long before you can return to Ireland and retrace the steps of your ancestors. So many of us can't wait to be able to travel again.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Julia
A beautiful welcoming into any home.
Irish American Mom
Hi Julia -
Thanks for stopping by to support this giveaway.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Charity Van De Griek
My husband’s family is Dutch and for his 50th birthday (a few years out still) he wants to take a trip to the Netherlands. As we’ve been discussing his family heritage more, I’ve decided to be more proactive in learning more about my family’s Irish roots to pass on to our son. So for my 50th, I have my heart set on a family trip to Ireland. I have always been drawn to all things Irish and Celtic (especially the music as a musician myself) and have LOVED reading about St. Brigid today. THANK YOU for all you do to keep the rich history of Ireland close at hand, and for inspiring those of us that are newer to exploring our roots to dig a little deeper.
Jessica Proctor
Thank you for the fascinating history of Brigid! I love that she is a patron saint of Ireland. ☘️
Irish American Mom
Hi Jessica - Thanks so much for following my recipes and ramblings, and for supporting our little giveaways.
All the best,
Mairéad
Irish American Mom
Hi Charity - I'm so happy to learn that my ramblings are helping you connect with your Irish ancestry and heritage.
Thanks for stopping by.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Deb Kemp
Thank you for the chance to win. I enjoyed learning about St. Brigid.
Irish American Mom
Hi Deb - Thanks so much for following my recipes and ramblings.
All the best,
Mairéad
Dennis Covey
My grandmother's name was Mary Bridget O'Callaghan. She was born in Tyrrellspass, Co. Westmeath in 1895. She immigrated to the U.S. in 1915.
Thank you for reminding us of the upcoming celebration!
Irish American Mom
Hi Dennis - Thanks for sharing your grandmother's places of origin. It's nice to learn that you know where your roots are in Ireland. Thanks so much for following my recipes and ramblings.
All the best,
Mairéad
Therese
Thank you for sharing information about St Brigid
Irish American Mom
Hi Therese - Thanks for stopping by to support this giveaway.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Maureen Koebel
I can remember very clearly visiting St. Brigid’s Well with family from Ennis back in 1971.
Thank you for your beef stew recipe. You’ve convinced me to use the shoulder rather than the cubed stew beef 🙂
Irish American Mom
Hi Maureen - There are many wells named after Saint Brigid all over Ireland, and visiting these wells, like your family did in 1971, was an important local pilgrimage for many Irish.
I hope you enjoy making this beef stew I shared this week. I find there's no need to cut the meat. Once it cooks slowly it falls apart.
Thanks for following my recipes and ramblings.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Janine
My daughter was given this pin by her Rose. She was a rosebud in the NY Rose of Tralee. This is beautiful.
Irish American Mom
Hi Janine - How wonderful that your daughter received a St. Brigid's Cross pin when she was participating in the NY Rose of Tralee. Thanks for stopping by to support this giveaway.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Denise Brooks
I loved learning about St. Brigid. You know having had 13 years of Catholic schooling I never heard about St. Brigid until recently. Perhaps because of the time period of my youth , when women were not considered important in history or perhaps St. Brigid was less well known in my part of America. Anyways I am making up for that loss now. I am intrigued, especially after learning about her abbey and the "Book of Kildare". And of course the promise of Spring on her feast day Feb 1st is greatly appealing to me after this past year of sadness. Thank you Mairéad for enlightening me.
Irish American Mom
Hi Denise - Stories of Saint Brigid were part of my Irish school days way back in the 1970's, but her stories probably never crossed the Atlantic. I like your way of thinking about February 1st. It will be a day of hope and spring at last after the past year of sorrow.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Richard Baker
It has given me a great new understand of my heritage to have you bringing all things Irish to me. Because of the old ways of the Celtic people this was a powerful history. The best thing is it made me research her and Darlughdach. This makes me look deeper into why we follow the paths we are on for our spiritual walks.
Irish American Mom
Hi Richard - The stories of Saint Brigid mention her soul mate, a younger nun named Darlughdach. Brigid considered her to be her “anam cara” or soul friend. Brigid believed that each person needs a soul friend and that together God speaks to us through shared work and daily life. Brigid was definitely not a conventional saint, and can be an inspiration for all in an inclusive spiritual way.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Jean Mahoney
Brigid is the best! We pray to her often and have visited her wells in Ireland. Thanks for sharing .
Irish American Mom
Hi Jean - She is an inspiration to us all and a wonderful Irish woman of strength and character. Lovely to hear you have visited some of her wells.
All the best,
Mairéad
Kristy
Thank you for sharing. Every year I look forward to this day, and to this new season.
Irish American Mom
Hi Kristy - Thanks for stopping by.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Karen B O'Brien
I love St Brigid and her special relationship with her father.
Irish American Mom
Hi Karen - I really appreciate all of the readers who stop by this little corner of the internet to support our giveaways. Thank you.
All the best,
Mairéad
Pat OConnor
Thanks for another great story and outstanding blessing. I'd forgotten the part of the story where Brigid was born on the threshold of her mother's home.
Be well and stay safe
Irish American Mom
Hi Pat - I too love these stories of Saint Brigid. We are blessed to have a treasure trove of inspirational stories and legends in Ireland, and especially those inspired by Saint Brigid.
All the best,
Mairéad
Barbara McDonald
I would love to give this to my daughter Erin for her new home
Irish American Mom
Hi Barbara - This would be a perfect gift for your daughter's new home. Best of luck in our little giveaway.
All the best,
Mairéad
Brigid Johnson
Did you know that she also changed her bathwater into beer to share with thirsty travelers? Wonderful stories and legends. Thank you!
Brigid
Irish American Mom
Hi Brigid - I think Saint Brigid's beer loving legends deserve a post all of their own. She was renowned as a master brewer and loved a good party. Thanks for reminding us about her hospitality and love of good company. We are blessed to have a treasure trove of myths and legends about Saint Brigid.
All the best,
Mairéad
Marilyn
Mairead Thank You for the chance to win this beautiful giveaway. It will be treasured by the winner. the information on ST.Brigid is so welcome.
Marilyn
Irish American Mom
Hi Marilyn - Many thanks also for following my ramblings and joining in our discussions about all things Irish and Irish American. I really appreciate your support.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Sandi O'Connor
I love the history you share! I would be proud to display Bridget's cross in our Irish home!
Irish American Mom
Hi Sandi - Thanks so much for following my recipes and ramblings, and for your kind words about my blog. I really appreciate the support of readers like you who take the time to read the snippets of Irish history I love to share.
All the best,
Mairéad
Geraldine McGovern
We have a daughter named Brigid. I knew the story of St.Brigid, little did I know that our Brigid would be quite like the Saint Brigid! She's determined, generous and hard working. I really though that she would've been a Missionary, she's a Social Worker, so not quite the Missionary, but I suppose close. We also have two St. Brigid's Crosses in our home, a third one would be appreciated! Thank you.
Irish American Mom
Hi Geraldine - It's lovely to hear your daughter continues the legacy of Saint Brigid to this very day in America. Social work is such a wonderful and important calling. Blessings to your daughter and her wonderful work. Many thanks for stopping by to support our giveaway.
All the best,
Mairéad
Patti McMahon
Thank you so much for this story of Brigid. Part of my family came from Kildare, but I have only come to know Bridget in the last several years. I've been to Ireland several times, mostly in the west, but next time I'm going to Kildare.
I have used several of your recipes - especially the Brown Bread (a couple of times a month!) - thank you!
Irish American Mom
Hi Patti - Thanks so much for following my ramblings and for trying my recipes. Lovely to learn my brown bread recipe is a hit in your house. It's a lovely taste of Ireland, homemade in America with easy to find ingredients. I hope you make it to Kildare on your next visit to Ireland. There is lots to see and do in Ireland's Ancient East.
All the best,
Mairéad
Colleen
Thanks for sharing this history! My middle name is Bridget and I remember growing up always having either a St. Brigid cross or statue in the house.
Irish American Mom
Hi Colleen - Lovely to hear the tradition of a Saint Brigid's cross continued in your Irish American home. Thanks so much for following my recipes and ramblings.
All the best,
Mairéad
Cathleen
A beautiful story and a blessing. I can't wait to travel again to Ireland!
Irish American Mom
Hi Cathleen - I hope it won't be long before we can all take to the skies again and visit the places we so love. Thanks so much for following my recipes and ramblings.
All the best,
Mairéad
Kelly P.
Thank you so much for teaching me about St. Brigid! I knew she was a patron saint of Ireland, but I didn't know much else about her. I would love to have the beautiful Saint Brigid's cross and blessing hanging in my home!
Irish American Mom
Hi Kelly - There are many legends about Saint Brigid. I will need to continue sharing stories of her wonderful legacy here on my blog since so many readers admire her. Many thanks also for following my ramblings and joining in our discussions about all things Irish and Irish American. I really appreciate your support.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Mary Shockley
You’re St. Brigid cross was amazing. So many memories from my visit to Ireland when a very old man made and presented it to me and shortly after one of my own First Communion students (from Ireland) here in New Mexico made one for me. Brought me back to my roots - my Grandma taught me all about St Brigid.
Carrie Richardson
What a beautiful blessing for any home! Thank you for sharing the amazing history of St. Brigid. I would love this beautiful piece of art
Irish American Mom
Hi Carrie - Thanks for reading my ramblings, and for stopping by to support this little giveaway.
All the best,
Mairéad
Irish American Mom
Hi Mary - Thanks for sharing these lovely stories of how you received handmade Saint Brigid's crosses, and how they helped you feel connected to your Irish roots. How wonderful that your Irish Grandma taught you all about Ireland's patron saint, Brigid.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Veronica Krulish
Thank you for sharing this story and for your generous giveaway. Bless you!
Irish American Mom
Hi Veronica - Thanks so much for following my recipes and ramblings, and for supporting our little giveaways.
All the best,
Mairéad
Carla
Thank you for your wonderful blog! I hadn’t known about St. Brigid or her cross until May 2018 when our family visited Ireland! I want to make this cross one day since I didn’t pick one up like my niece Heather did. The trip meant so much to all of us !
Irish American Mom
Hi Carla - I'm delighted to hear you were introduced to Saint Brigid during a memorable trip to Ireland. So glad you made it back to the land of your ancestors. Thanks so much for following my recipes and ramblings, and for supporting our little giveaways.
All the best,
Mairéad
Judith Kenney Pete
I appreciate the information about St. Brigid. She had great faith, strength in adversity, and zeal for helping the poor. I can only try to imitate her character in my life.
Thank you for encouraging my pride in being Irish. God bless you!
Irish American Mom
Hi Judith - Saint Brigid is a role model for us, even in modern times. Her strength of character and dedication to helping the poor are traits to be admired, for sure. Thanks for being such a loyal reader.
All the best,
Mairéad
Marion
This is a beautiful and informative post. Thank You for the chance to win this lovely prize.
Marion
Irish American Mom
Hi Marion - I love gifts with cultural significance, and this one is perfect for Saint Brigid's Day. Thanks for supporting our little giveaway.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Molly Dennehy
I really enjoy reading the comments and your replies regarding your giveaways- you have a keen eye, the art work is beautiful, the bejeweled green color is perfect and so much like the green of Eire. (I am an public school art teacher!) I have one above my door that I made from rushes from a river near my school and have made many of the pipe cleaner lesson you shared with my school children over the years. Thanks for all
you do!
Irish American Mom
Hi Molly - I am so grateful to all of the readers of my blog who join in our discussions through these comments. I've heard many bloggers are turning off the comment sections on their blogs because they believe comments take too much time. I was so disappointed when I read this, since I think the comments are the very best part of my blog. I love how people share their family connections with Ireland, and create a sense of community here, through comments. Long live the comment section in my corner of the internet.
I'm so glad to hear you like this artwork, and that is high praise from an art teacher. I'm also happy to hear you shared my 'Pipe Cleaner Saint Brigid's Cross Tutorial' with your students. It's a simple and effective way to continue our Irish traditions. I love crafts with cultural significance, and I am planning a few more craft tutorials for the coming weeks, in the run up to Saint Patrick's Day.
Thanks for stopping by to support our little giveaway.
Best wishes,
Mairéad