St Brigid's Cross / Cros Bríde - A Distinctive Irish Icon

St Brigid's Day falls on the 1st of February, and 2024 marks Ireland's second year of having a national bank holiday in honour of this saint and goddess.

It beautifully intertwines the tales of a Christian saint and a Celtic goddess. Rooted in both Christian and Celtic traditions, this celebration marks the feast day of St Brigid, a revered saint, and pays homage to the ancient goddess Brigid.

I made this traditional St Brigid’s Cross from rushes

Let me tell you about the iconic St Brigid's Cross, known as Cros Bríde in Irish.

Hailing from Christian traditions, this cross holds significant importance in Irish folklore.

The Cros Bríde is traditionally made from rushes on the 31st of January, the day before St Brigid's Day. Its unique design serves as a protective symbol, traditionally used to safeguard homes and ward off evil, fire, and hunger throughout the year.

While primarily associated with Irish Christian symbolism, there's speculation that its origins trace back to the pagan sun wheel, symbolizing blessings of fertility and life upon the earth.

My version of the St Brigid’s Cross pays homage to this timeless symbol. I've added my unique line art pattern to infuse a touch of magic into the traditional design.

I consider my art a modern representation of Irish culture, and I like to think that my Cros Bríde embodies just that.

Lá Fhéile Bríde (St Brigid’s Day), this is my drawing of the traditional St Brigid’s Cross

I love the fact that St Brigid's Day is a harmonious blending of the saintly and the divine.

The duality of Brigid, as both a Christian figure and a Celtic goddess, beautifully represents how Ireland became a Christian country. Both cultures blended, running alongside each other.

I find it fascinating that many parts of Irish culture and folklore still hold on to some pre-Christian traditions, and St Brigid's Day is a shining example.

I feel an even more personal connection to this celebration. My mum, Breda, has her birthday in early February, and her name is actually Bridget. Breda is just a variation of the name, so it’s clear where her name came from.

If you'd like to get your hands on my Cros Bríde as a digital download for your phone, tablet, and desktop, just click on this link to head to my website for more details. Traditional crosses made from rushes are made fresh every year for St Brigid’s Day and kept in the house all year around. With my digital Cros Bríde you can keep it even longer than that if you want to!

I hope this serves as a way for you to celebrate what you love about Ireland and Irish culture this St Brigid’s Day, or in Irish, Lá Fhéile Bríde.