Brigid's Day - February 1

February 1 is the Feast of Saint Brigid, now a Christian saint, but once the goddess of fire and learning in ancient Ireland. Also known as Imbolc, the feast of Saint Brigid is one of the four major fire festivals on the old Irish pagan calendar. People still light fires on hilltops to celebrate these festivals.

A Brigid's Cross, made from green rushes

Here's a song in Irish that celebrates Brigid's excellent qualities, from the singing of my friend Dáithí Sproule on his CD "A Heart Made of Glass." Hear him singing it here.

Gabhaim Molta Bríghde                           Gabhaim molta Bríghde, Iníon í le hÉireann Iníon le gach tír í, Molaimís go léir í! Lóchrann geal na Laighneach, Soils’ ar feadh na tíre, Ceann ar óigheacht Éireann, Ceann na mban ar míne. Tig an geimhreadh dian dubh, Gearra lena géire, Ach ar lá le Brighde, Gar duinn Earrach Éireann.

We Praise Brigid I sing loudly the praises of Brigid, She who is daughter, Not just of Ireland, But of all the countries of the world. A shining lantern of Leinster, A flame throughout the land, Leader of the women of Ireland, One of the finest women ever. The hard, dark winter comes, Short and sharp, But once Brigid’s Day appears, Ireland’s spring is not far behind.

And here's a video to teach you how to make your own Brigid's cross -- though it's a little hard to find green rushes where I live this time of year. (Still four feet of snow in back yard!)

I especially like the detail that each arm of the cross should be made from seven rushes, to represent the seven days of the week, and the 28 days of the month of February.