St. Brigid’s Day

February 1 is St. Brigid’s Day in Ireland. St. Brigid, who lived in Ireland during the 5th and 6th centuries, is one of three patron saints of Ireland (with St. Patrick and St. Columba). She is also the patron saint of babies, blacksmiths, boatmen, cattle, dairymen, fugitives, travelers, nuns, poets, sailors, and scholars. (busy girl!)

St. Brigid was noted for her generosity, common sense, and for founding several convents. She is connected with the Brigid Cross (see picture below), which she supposedly wove at her father’s deathbed. As she explained the meaning of the symbol to him, he requested to be baptized. For instructions on making a Brigid’s Cross, click here.

St. Brigid’s Day is celebrated in Ireland by hanging a Brigid’s Cross on the front door, building bonfires, and dining with friends and family. Traditional foods for St. Brigid’s Day include Colcannon, the traditional Irish mixture of potatoes, leeks, and cabbage; Boxty Cakes, a variation of potato pancakes; and St. Brigid’s Oakcakes.

^{(both images are in the public domain)}