Column: An age-old celebration of rebirth, growth and empowerment

The celebration of St Brigid’s Day - or Imbolc - has been taking place for millenia, continuing through our long cultural evolution and the changes in religious beliefs.

Even the association with Brigid far predates Christianity. And yet the core values associated with February 1 have remained relatively unchanged. 

Indeed, Brigid was never just one element. She represented fire and water; she bridged winter and spring; her legend spanned pagan and Christian faiths. She was a patron - or indeed, matron - saint not only to women but to mediaeval knights, to poets and to healers all over the world.

In pagan terms, ‘Brigid’ means ‘Exalted One.’ It seems that the name was used as a general term for goddesses as well as being a title for Brigid herself. This version of Brigid can be seen in traditions all across Europe. She was closely associated with learning and poetry, both of which were highly thought of in ancient Irish society. 

Brigid was also linked to a mythical creature that transformed from an ugly hag into a beautiful woman at the mid-point between the winter solstice and spring equinox, symbolising the change of season from winter to spring.

The healing power of the goddess Brigid was invoked in times of illness. This is perhaps the strongest link between the stories from pre-Christian times and the belief in the Christian saint.

St Brigid

The Christian St Brigid was born in Louth in 457AD and was the daughter of Dubtach, a nobleman. Her mother is thought to have been a slave in Dubtach’s household.

The young Brigid became a nun along with seven other women. The story goes that she was mistakenly consecrated a bishop. Brigid was certainly a powerful, determined woman who became an Abbess in County Kildare and was linked to many legends.

One of the most recounted is the tale of when she asked the King of Leinster for land to build her monastery. He agreed but later changed his mind. Brigid then asked him for as much ground as her cloak would cover. The king agreed. As Brigid laid out her cloak it grew and grew until it covered the whole of the Curragh, an area of grassy plains in Kildare famous for horseracing and horse breeding today.

The tradition of weaving crosses from rushes relates to a story of Brigid’s visit to a dying Chieftain. He wanted to convert to Christianity so Brigid wove a cross of rushes for him. The simple cross was as much a symbol of humility and a condemnation of materialism as it was of religion. Despite being born into a noble household, Brigid was a strong advocate for the poor.

Imbolc in modern times

The tradition of weaving these simple rush crosses has survived all the modern comforts and conveniences of the 21st century. In fact, it has more than survived. Cross-weaving gatherings have been taking place all over Donegal on the eve of St Brigid’s Day, with the skill being passed on to younger generations. 

These gatherings are a lovely way for members of the community to come together after the long winter months and share news and stories as they weave their crosses side by side from the shared piles of rushes. 

The belief in the crosses remains strong too - that they will protect a home from fire and illness.

The introduction of the new bank holiday has been embraced as a celebration of women. And in the tradition of the feast day, events taking place to mark Féile na mBán have elements of the traditional sitting very comfortably alongside modern skills and practices, resonating and punctuating women’s place in every aspect of society, from the practical to the cultural. 

With the first month of the year behind us and a bank holiday weekend on the way, our thoughts will naturally be turning towards plans for the year ahead. 

From more traditional tasks such as gardening and home improvement to thinking about holidays, days away and simply getting out and about, this really is a time for new beginnings. And it has been that way forever. 

This is the season of rebirth, growth and empowerment so plant those seeds, make new plans, breathe in the spring air. And take a moment to embrace that connection to all who have gone before us as we write our own chapter in the celebration of this oldest of feast days.