St. Bridget's Day, Lá Le Bríde, Lá Fhéile Bríde, Biddys's Day. Whatever you call it, the 1st of Feb heralds the arrival of Spring, of Imbolc, an old celebration that is coming alive again.

It's been so exciting to see one of my favourite folk days/crafts been revived, enjoyed and now it's a Irish Bank Holiday too.

Here are examples of different types of St. Bridget's crosses, a traditional Irish folk craft, made in Bridget's Day. Each year, a new one is made from rushes, and the old one burned, and is hung in the rafters or over entryways of buildings.

They bring the blessing and protection of the saint for the remainder of the year, a ward against harm, and in particular, fire protection.

A votive offering, a talisman of sorts, but I like to think of it as hope. A physical manifestation of hope against harm.

While I do love the traditional 4 armed crosee, I love making the 3 armed and Gods Eye type ones, both in rushes and willow.

#LáLeBríde #LáFhéileBríde #StBridgetsDay #Imbolc #FolkCrafts #FolkHeritage #IrishFolk #IrishFolkTraditions #Heritage #HeritageIreland

Beannachtaí Lá Fhéile Bríde!
Happy Imbolc!
Today is the first (unofficial) day of Spring in Ireland. The grand ol' stretch in the day has reached one hour.
Tonight my old St. Bridget's cross will go into the fire and be replaced with a new one.
May your house be protected from fire, your animals be safe, your butter store replenished and your apple trees bear plenty to share with neighbours.
#MastoDaoine
#Imbolc
#BridgetsDay
#StBridgetsDay

A new bank holiday and to go with it! #FeileNamBan
#Donegal #StBridgetsDay #Bundoran #womensart #WomensFestival
Féile na mBan a Ceilirú https://www.feilenamban.ie/