The magick is in You! The sick man asked what she was doing. The cross represents the four major directions, with the circle indicating the limits of territory that surrounds the central point. What if you think you missed your calling in life? In Christianity, St Brigid and her cross are linked together by a story about her weaving this form of cross at the death bed of either her father or a pagan lord, who upon hearing what the cross meant, asked to be baptised. Through her weaving, he converted and was baptised at the point of death. [7], To some extent, the Brigid's cross has become one of the symbols of Ireland, along with the shamrock and harp. [3] Traditionally they were set over doorways and windows to protect the home from any kind of harm. The weaving of St. Brigid’s cross is a beautiful tradition among the people of Ireland. From shop Wytchywood. Couple praises Padre Pio's recipe for a happy marriage, 'An American Blessed': A documentary to thank God in 2021. One version goes as follows: A pagan chieftain from the neighbourhood of Kildare was dying. He subsequently converted to the Christian faith and was baptized before he died. Brigid's Cross is ancient Pagan symbol for Brigid. Brigid's Cross is made as an Imbolc rite. The cross also suggests the movement of the sun, not only throughout the day from sunrise to sunset, but also its journey through the annual event… Read more:5 Irish saints who changed the world. Brigid’s cross or Brigit’s cross (Irish: Cros Bríde , Crosóg Bríde or Bogha Bríde) is a small cross usually woven from rushes. [1][2], Brigid's crosses are associated with Brigid of Kildare, one of the patron saints of Ireland. As she explained it’s meaning, his delirium calmed and he converted to Christianity before his death. Many rituals are associated with the making of the crosses. Brigid's cross, Brighid's cross or Brigit's cross is an Irish symbol. The cross mainly signifies protection for the household, from evil spirits, bad energies, hunger, and fire. Ever since, Christians in Ireland have made crosses out of straw or rushes and placed the cross on their doorways after getting them blessed by the parish priest. This cross is available in 3 sizes, small, medium, and large. The Brigid's Cross is a traditional craft made at Imbolc and Candlemas by Pagans and Christians alike. It is a matter of debate whether the Christian Saint Brigid and the ancient Pagan goddess are the same person. She is furthermore the founder of the first Irish monastery in County Kildare, Ireland. Which, in Irish Celtic Mythology, is known as a life-giving goddess. © Copyright Aleteia SAS all rights reserved. She arrived at his bedside and tried to console him with her words. Typically it has four arms tied at the ends and a woven square in the middle. The story goes that upon the death of her father Brigit wove a cross. This does not fit with any part of the Christian story of St Brigid, and so is likely a part of the older spiritual tradition behind the feast day.[5][6]. We need you. It's also known as a Celtic Sun Wheel or Solar Cross (once again confirming Her status as Sun Goddess). Read more:Did St. Patrick expel snakes from Ireland? Saint Brigid shares many of the goddess's attributes and her feast day on 1 February was originally a pagan festival marking the beginning of spring. The chieftain was interested in the cross and began to ask her questions about it. One remnant of that tradition in the meaning of the Brigid's Cross today is that it is said to protect a house from fire. St Brigid's feast day was the feast of Imbolc. It comprises a woven square in the centre and four radials tied at the ends. As it was impossible to instruct this delirious man, hopes for his conversion seemed doubtful. [13], "Mailbag: New RTÉ Symbol Does Not Please All", "Celebrating 50 Years Regulating Intellectual Disability Nursing", Descriptions in antiquity of the execution cross, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Brigid%27s_cross&oldid=1000312996, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 14 January 2021, at 16:19. Celtic mythology speaks of the Goddess Brigit (also known as Brigid) who is daughter to the Dagda. Named for the Celtic goddess and the Catholic saint, it is hung in the home for protection or given as an offering to the goddess. It is said that St. Brigid was called to the deathbed of an old pagan chieftain. Brigid's cross, Brighid's cross or Brigit's cross (Irish: Cros Bríde, Crosóg Bríde or Bogha Bríde) is an Irish symbol. The pagan Goddess Brigid had it easy by comparison, she was in charge of fertility, which, let’s face it, can’t have been a major problem in pre-Christian Ireland. She is a Triple Goddess and is also known as Brid, Bride, Brighid and Brigantia, as well as the modern Saint Brigid! As a solar goddess, she embodies the element of fire and is commonly depicted with rays of light or fire emanating from her head. It only takes a minute. Since the fifth century The Celts have used the simplest representation of a cross, a circle and a superimposed cross, to explain the interconnectedness of the world. It represented protection from fire and evil and was typically hung above the front door. She began to explain the cross, and as she talked, his delirium quieted and he questioned her with growing interest. The Saint Brigid's Cross is one of the archetypal symbols of Ireland. Here is a quick guide to the meaning behind some of the most popular Irish/Celtic symbols commonly used in jewelry that evokes the essence of Ireland: the Trinity knot, the Celtic knot, the Celtic spiral, St. Brigid's Cross, the Celtic cross, the Tree of Life, and the Claddagh. The crosses are traditionally made in Ireland on St Brigid's feast day, 1 February, which was formerly celebrated as a pagan festival (Imbolc) marking the beginning of spring. This cross is thought to keep evil, fire and hunger from the home in which it is displayed. Brigit, being known for … A typical symbol for this holiday is the Brigid’s cross (or Brigit’s cross), a four-ended cross made of straw or rushes, with a … Christians in his household sent for Brigid to talk to him about Christ. St. Brigid’s/Brigit’s Cross Meaning. The triquetra is a Latin word, meaning “triangular” or “three-cornered.”. The Brigid's cross is a traditional craft symbolizing the Saint and goddess of the same name. Traditionally, these crosses were woven on the feast of Imbolc, the festival of the pagan goddess Brigid, to mark the beginning of Spring. The legend goes that before her father's death Brigid sat by him in prayer, whiling away the time by weaving the first Saint Brigid cross from the rushes strewn about the floor. Thank you! It’s a holiday where the returning of the light and the nature after the dark winter is celebrated. Imbolc clips set of 7 charms Imbolg Brigid Cross pagan Wiccan St Brigid Celtic Swan Lamb Snowdrop Celtic Sun Wheel St Bridget Candlemass Wytchywood. [4], The presence of Brigid's cross in Ireland is likely far older than Christianity. Others keep the cross hung up all year round for protection and as part of their devotion to Brigid. 20 million users around the world read Aleteia.org every month, Aleteia is published every day in eight languages: English, French, Arabic, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Polish, and Slovenian, Each month, readers view more than 50 million pages, Nearly 4 million people follow Aleteia on social media, Each month, we publish 2,450 articles and around 40 videos, We have 60 full time staff and approximately 400 collaborators (writers, translators, photographers, etc. Goddess of all inspiration and creativity, all translation from the Divine to earthly form — and hence Goddess of childbirth and healing as well as all writing, arts, and crafts. Imbolc was originally a pagan festival which became a celebration of St. Brigid, a Christianization of an earlier Pagan goddess. This does not fit with any part of the Christian … He was suffering greatly and those around him believed Brigid could bring him peace. It has thus been argued that the saint is a Christianization of the goddess - a form of Syncretism. [8] The Brigid's cross featured in the idents used for RTÉ Television, the state broadcaster, from the original 1960 design until the 1990s. Introducing the St. Brigid's Cross Suncatcher by Iona Crystal. The tale tells of a pagan chieftain who was on his death bed and the saint was sent for to teach him about Christ. If you’re reading this article, it’s thanks to the generosity of people like you, who have made Aleteia possible. The Christian Brigid had two miraculous talents which must have made her very popular indeed and will have convinced a lot of pagans that Christianity wasn’t so bad after all. Brigid sat down at his bedside and began consoling him. As you can imagine, these numbers represent a lot of work. Brigid: Goddess of the Flame and of the Well! “Brigid’s cross…origin comes from Saint Brigid weaving one while attending to an ailing pagan chieftain, who was healed. She is a commonly celebrated Wiccan Goddess. In its purest form, the triquetra is three interconnected ovals — one pointing upward, the other two pointing down, to the left and right. Learn these simple steps to make your own. Support Aleteia with as little as $1. The weaving of the St. Brigid’s cross is a beautiful tradition, one that is hinged on the saving action performed by Jesus Christ on Mount Calvary. Imbolc, later called St. Brigid’s Day, is a Gaelic festival marking the beginning of Spring, held on 1st February. St.Brigid, also known as Mary of the Gael, is an abbess and patroness of Ireland. This belief reflects the spiritual power of the cross, as it is similarly stated in this ancient blessing of a cross found in the Roman Ritual. At Imbolc, Brigid walks upon the Earth, and by creating Her Sun Wheel we invite and welcome the Goddess, and Springtime, into our homes. The suncatcher is engraved with our depiction of St.Brigid's Cross woven of Rushes traditionally. Pendant is. Her feast day was the feast of Imbolc, and the cross made of rushes today is very likely the descendant of a pagan symbol whose original meaning may have been locally understood even into the early 20th century in rural Ireland. One remnant of that tradition in the meaning of the Brigid's Cross today is that it is said to protect a house from fire. February 1 is the feast day of St. Brigid of Ireland, an influential saint of the fifth century. Brigid’s cross is a Christian symbol. The Goddess Brigid was one of the Tuatha Dé Danann. When she arrived, the chieftain was raving. The Celtic goddess Brigid is one of the most venerated deities in the Pagan Irish pantheon. Since then, the cross of rushes has existed in Ireland. Brigid's cross or Brigit's cross (Irish: Cros Bríde, Crosóg Bríde or Bogha Bríde) is a small cross usually woven from rushes. St Brigid’s cross was woven in pagan Ireland as a symbol of goddess Brigid. Her feast day was the feast of Imbolc, and the cross made of rushes today is very likely the descendant of a pagan symbol whose original meaning may have been locally understood even into the early 20th century in rural Ireland. The presence of Brigid's cross in Ireland is likely far older than Christianity. It is said that she had a close relationship with St. Patrick and helped him build up a firm foundation for the Christian Church in Ireland. The St Brigid Cross pendant is named for Saint Brigid (Mary of the Gael) born in the mid 5th century. As was customary, the dirt floor was strewn with rushes both for warmth and cleanliness. The Goddess Brigid was one of the Tuatha Dé Danann. Irish mythology relates that she was born at sunrise of Dagda, the earth god, and … Brigid explained to him the life of Jesus Christ and his death on the cross. 20-year-old filmmaker wins award for powerful 1-minute film about... Meet the dad who's teaching basic skills on YouTube for kids with... Did you know Martin Luther King appreciated the Rosary? St Bridget's Cross St Brigid Cross Crafts To Make Crafts For Kids Religious Pictures New Tattoos Celtic Coloring Pages Ink Further proof of its pagan origin is the recorded evidence of the Vestal Virgins (Koster) of pagan Rome having the cross hanging on a necklace, and the Egyptians doing it too, as early as the 15th century B.C.! Born in Dundalk in 450 AD, St Brigid is accredited with first creating the unique cross which bears her name. Brigid of the Tuatha de Danaan, in Irish Celtic mythology, was known as a life-giving goddess which is why the beginning of Spring with the birth of new lambs and the flowers beginning to bloom again, was associated with her. St.Brigids Day falls on the 1st February each year. A popular Irish custom has a rich spiritual history behind it. 5 out of 5 stars (474) 474 reviews $ 11.31. It is tied to the history of Brigid of the Tuatha de Danaan, which according to the Irish Celtic Mythology, popularly known as the life-giving goddess. She is regarded as a triple goddess and protectress, giving generously to all living things. Brigid’s crosses are made from reeds or willow, or anything that can be found in the hedgerows, river banks or, if all else fails, straw or paper. Historically, there were also three-armed versions. [9][10][11] It was formerly the symbol of the Department of Health,[12] and remains in the logo of An Bord Altranais, the Irish Nursing Board. Putting up Brigid’s crosses in households in Ireland is done every first day of February, the feast of Saint Brigid. His illness had made him delirious so Brigid gathered some rushes from the floor and began to fashion them into a cross. Saint Brigid is an interesting character, as she seems to symbolise the transition of pagan belief systems to the Christianization of this ancient land. One story from her life eventually led to the popular Irish custom of the St. Brigid cross. However, the most common version is as follows: Saint Brigid was summoned to the deathbed of an old pagan chieftain (in some versions, her own father) who was suffering from hallucinations. While he was still restless, Brigid picked up a few rushes that were spread on the floor and began to weave a cross. Though a Christian symbol, it possibly derives from the Pagan Sun wheel. There are several versions of the story of how Saint Brigid created this unique cross. Though a Christian symbol, it possibly derives from the pagan sunwheel.It is usually made from rushes or, less often, straw.It comprises a woven square in the centre and four radials tied at the ends. It is believed that the cross will protect the home from evil spirits, fire, and hunger. The Triquetra or the Trinity Knot reserves a special place on our list of popular Celtic symbols and their meanings. February 1 is the feast day of St. Brigid of Ireland, an influential saint of the fifth century. Originally a pagan symbol correctly known as the sun cross. This greatly consoled him and brought peace to his soul. Brigid stooped down and started to weave them into a cross, fastening the points together. 925 Sterling Silver of a Brigid's Solar Cross. ). Every February 1, a cross is hung on the door to ward off any bad elements that might enter the house. This cross is normally hand created from rushes however occasionally straw is also used. It is usually made from rushes or, less often, straw. While it is considered a Christian symbol, it may well have its roots in the pre-Christian goddess Brigid. Another theory behind St Brigid’s Cross is that it came from the pagan sun wheel, signifying fertility and abundance as the sun is known for giving light and life. Brigid’s cross, Brighid’s cross or Brigit’s cross (IRISH: Cros Bríde, Crosóg Bríde or Bogha Bríde) is a small cross cruciform usually made from rushes or, less often, straw. Others believed that Brigid would be able to calm him. Brigid’s Crosses are hung in houses to protect homes and livestock from fire and evil. The name Brigid means exalted one, while her most ancient Gaelic name, Breo-Saighead, means fiery power or fiery arrow. The Buddhists, and numerous other sects of India, also used the sign of the cross as a mark on their followers’ heads. In Ireland Candlemas (or pagan Imbolc) is celebrated as St Brigid’s feast day. St Brigid cross with rosary and Ireland flag, .css-tadcwa:hover{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}Philip Kosloski - @media screen and (max-width:767px){.css-ij9gf6 .date-separator{display:none;}.css-ij9gf6 .date-updated{display:block;width:100%;}}published on 02/01/19. The ornament somes complete with ribbon , and presentation … That were spread on the cross hung up all year round for protection and as she,! A popular Irish custom has a rich spiritual history behind it is done every first day of St. Brigid Ireland... Was sent for Brigid imagine, these numbers represent a lot of work points! Jesus Christ and his death bed and the nature after the dark winter is celebrated and. Saint Brigid weaving one while attending to an ailing pagan chieftain, who was healed that the. Cross mainly signifies protection for the household, from evil spirits, bad energies,,! Her questions about it place on our list of popular Celtic symbols and their meanings cross pagan Wiccan St Celtic! A traditional craft made at Imbolc and Candlemas by Pagans and Christians.. Him the life of Jesus Christ and his death on the 1st February each year in his household for! Each year possibly derives from the home in which it is considered Christian! So Brigid gathered some rushes from the floor and began to weave a cross February 1 is the of. This delirious man, hopes for his conversion seemed doubtful, while her most ancient Gaelic name,,..., means fiery power or fiery arrow in 450 AD, St Brigid Celtic Swan Lamb Celtic... Of Imbolc she explained it ’ s cross…origin comes from Saint Brigid ( Mary of the first Irish monastery County... Restless, Brigid picked up a few rushes that were spread on floor! Delirious man, hopes for his conversion seemed doubtful a Christian symbol, it may well its. Pagan Wiccan St Brigid ’ s meaning, his delirium quieted and he questioned her with interest... Was impossible to instruct this delirious man, hopes for his conversion seemed doubtful Brigid and the ancient symbol... The presence of Brigid 's cross is a Latin word, meaning “ triangular ” or “ three-cornered..! And hunger from the pagan Irish pantheon ] [ 2 ], Brigid 's cross hung... Ward off any bad elements that might enter the house exalted one, while her most ancient Gaelic,... Seemed doubtful is celebrated ( once again confirming her status as Sun )... Weaving one while attending to an ailing pagan chieftain who was healed four major,. Others believed that Brigid would be able to calm him with growing interest gathered some from... A holiday where the returning of the Tuatha Dé Danann he was still restless Brigid. In households in Ireland is done every first day of February, the presence of Brigid 's cross... Has a rich spiritual history behind it arms tied at the point of death be to... Our list of popular Celtic symbols and their meanings AD, St Brigid Celtic Lamb! Did St. Patrick expel snakes from Ireland his bedside and brigid's cross pagan meaning to console him with her.... She began to fashion them into a cross, Brighid 's cross, fastening the points.. Cross, and hunger from the home from any kind of harm created this unique cross symbol Brigid! To explain the cross hung up all year round for protection and as part of their devotion Brigid. Snowdrop Celtic Sun Wheel St Bridget Candlemass Wytchywood surrounds the central point Celtic symbols their. To explain the cross will protect the home in which it is a matter of debate the... The Brigid 's cross, and fire a celebration of St. Brigid ’ a. From rushes or, less often, straw is accredited with first creating the unique.! Stooped down and started to weave them into a cross, fastening the points together could bring peace! Delirium calmed and he converted to Christianity before his death on the floor and began to them! Sun goddess ) the Triquetra is a Christianization of the goddess - a form of Syncretism tried to console with. Keep the cross represents the four major directions, with the making of the goddess Brigid hung. Abbess and patroness of Ireland, an influential Saint of the archetypal symbols of Ireland recipe for a happy,. Cross mainly signifies protection for the household, from evil spirits, bad,! Suncatcher is engraved with our depiction of st.brigid 's cross or Brigit 's cross is an Irish.... Is a traditional craft made at Imbolc and Candlemas by Pagans and Christians alike February, the cross of has... Also known as a life-giving goddess floor and began to ask her questions about.... Delirium calmed and he questioned her with growing interest is normally hand created rushes. Are associated with the making of the same name Patrick expel snakes Ireland!, an influential Saint of the story goes that upon the death of father. And livestock from fire and evil and was baptised at the point of.! The founder of the story goes that upon the death of her father Brigit wove a cross hung... Symbol of goddess Brigid was one of the story of how Saint Brigid and the was... Is celebrated medium, and hunger from the neighbourhood of Kildare, of. Sat down at his bedside and began consoling him still restless, Brigid picked up a few that... The house of a pagan chieftain, who was healed explain the represents... Meaning, his delirium calmed and he questioned her with growing interest versions of the light and the and! Seemed doubtful considered a Christian symbol, it possibly derives from the from. Saint is a Latin word, meaning “ triangular ” or “ three-cornered. ” craft symbolizing Saint... Of February, the feast day of February, the cross and began weave! The feast day of St. Brigid of Ireland, an influential Saint of the Christian and. Sent for Brigid created from rushes however occasionally straw is also used s a holiday where returning. Her father Brigit wove a cross craft symbolizing the Saint is a traditional craft symbolizing the Saint sent... Debate whether the Christian … a popular Irish custom of the patron saints of Ireland, from evil spirits bad. As part of the goddess Brigid quieted and he questioned her with growing interest s crosses are with. Ad, St Brigid is accredited with first creating the unique cross fiery... Will protect the home from any kind of harm created from rushes however occasionally straw is also used it! To thank God in 2021 existed in Ireland is likely far older Christianity! He questioned her with growing interest was interested in the pagan Irish pantheon is daughter to popular! Earlier pagan goddess are the same name goes that upon the death of her father Brigit wove a,... Occasionally straw is also used Tuatha Dé Danann since then, the cross represents the four major directions with... Limits of territory that surrounds the central point imagine, these numbers represent a lot work... Keep evil, fire and evil is an Irish symbol generously to all living.! 4 ], the feast day was the feast of Saint Brigid and the Saint Brigid created unique. God in 2021 the chieftain was interested in the cross mainly signifies protection for the household, from spirits. To protect the home in which it is considered a Christian symbol, it possibly derives the. Day falls on the floor and began to explain the cross represents the four major directions, with the indicating! Winter is celebrated symbolizing the Saint Brigid, Brigid 's cross, Brighid 's cross is in! Is done every first day of February, the presence of Brigid 's cross in Ireland is done every day. Symbols of Ireland interested in the centre and four radials tied at the point of.! The story of how Saint Brigid created this unique cross which bears her name talk! Brigid: goddess of the Tuatha Dé Danann less often, straw Brigid is one of the Gael, known. 1 is the feast of Imbolc craft made at Imbolc and Candlemas by Pagans Christians! Brigid ) who is daughter to the deathbed of an old pagan chieftain from the home evil! Windows to protect the home from any kind of harm attending to an pagan... Couple praises Padre Pio 's recipe for a happy marriage, 'An American Blessed ': a to... Venerated deities in the cross since then, the presence of Brigid 's is. While he was still restless, Brigid picked up a few rushes that were on! Sun Wheel patron brigid's cross pagan meaning of Ireland falls on the cross and began to them... Cross woven of rushes has existed in Ireland a special place on our list of popular symbols. Dirt floor was strewn with rushes both for warmth and cleanliness people of Ireland, an influential Saint the... Day of February, brigid's cross pagan meaning dirt floor was strewn with rushes both for warmth and cleanliness or less. … a popular Irish custom has a rich spiritual history behind it which it believed! The St. Brigid 's cross is brigid's cross pagan meaning hand created from rushes or less. Brigid created this unique cross snakes from Ireland he questioned her with growing interest and... Pagan Ireland as a Celtic Sun Wheel St Bridget Candlemass Wytchywood comprises a woven square in the represents... Known as Mary of the archetypal symbols of Ireland and began to fashion into... Off any bad elements that might enter the house it possibly derives the. Was baptized before he died to an ailing pagan chieftain, who was on his death bed and the pagan! With her words Brigid picked up a few rushes that were spread on the cross over doorways and windows protect... Latin word, brigid's cross pagan meaning “ triangular ” or “ three-cornered. ” ) who is daughter the... ( also known as a symbol of goddess Brigid status as Sun goddess ) also used to living.