Tomorrow is the first of February and in Ireland it is St. Brigit's Day. I would have never taken notice of this day, or this saint, for that matter, if it weren't for the boys coming home with special St. Brigit's crosses made out of green reeds. They would have perhaps a nun and the local priest visit their school and show them how to make the cross. This, according to Irish people, will protect your house against fire if you put it up on the wall somewhere. I have a couple scattered around just in case...
There are many interesting stories about St. Brigit on various websites. The one that I like the most, which has probably been embellished by modern writers is where she pops out her own eyeball. This disfigurement is to ensure that she can follow her vocation of the religious life, and not be given away in marriage to an unsuitable husband. Rumor has it that after she formed the first religious community for women in Ireland, her group was recognized and blessed by an established priest, and it was then that a miracle took place and her eye healed. What some women would do to avoid a bad marriage!!!
Also, I remember my friend Jo's story about the handkerchief. It is an old Irish country tradition that if you leave out a piece of cloth or handkerchief on a bush or clothesline tonight if would be touched by St. Brigit and would have curative or restorative powers. This is called St. Brigit's Mantle. Maybe I will try it! If I can get out to the clothesline in this freezing cold weather...
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