St Brigid 2025

January-February 2025
February 1st is the feast of St Brigid and it marks the first day of Spring in Ireland. Along with St Patrick, St Brigid is one of the pillars of the Irish people. She has been known to many generations as “Muire na nGael” or “Mary of the Gael” meaning “Our Lady of the Irish”.
In County Mayo and in Ireland alike commemorative crosses are made from straw and rushes on the eve of St. Brigid's Day. The four-legged crosses are hung up in the house and stables to protect the people of the house and the livestock.
The National Museum of Country Life set up a workshop to help to keep the tradition alive.
On Monday 27th January and Tuesday 28th January educators will teach how to make St Brigid’s crosses using traditional methods.
There will be two sessions:
- Session 1 from 2 pm to 3pm
- Session 2 from 3.30 pm to 4.30 pm.
Also, participants will be able enjoy the wonderful temporary display of St Brigid’s Crosses made using different regional styles and materials.
The Ballinglen Arts Foundation will hold a workshop led by Visual Artist Frances Bermingham Berrow in Ballycastle on Saturday 1st February from 10 am to 4 pm.
Participants will learn how to make cordage with dried fibre, weave crosses into forms, ritual objects and votive offerings.
Posted on Mon, 27 January 2025 09:22:52