Brigid's cross, Brighid's cross, or Brigit's cross, often with the "Saint" prefix, or (in the Irish language) Cros Bríde, Crosóg Bríde or Bogha Bríde, though not recorded before the seventeenth century, is an Irish symbol. Though a Christian symbol, it possibly derives from the pagan sunwheel. It is usually made from rushes or, less often, straw. It comprises a woven square in the centre and four radials tied at the ends.

Brigid's crosses are associated with Brigid of Kildare, who is venerated as one of the patron saints of Ireland. The crosses are traditionally made on 1 February, which in the Irish language is called Lá Fhéile Bhríde (St. Brigid's feast day), the day of her liturgical celebration. This feast coincides with the more ancient one of her pagan namesake, one of pagan Ireland's most important Goddesses, Brigid, who is associated with fire, healing and holy wells; it celebrates the earliest stirrings of Spring, and is called Imbolc.

Many rituals are associated with the making of the crosses.^[1] It was traditionally believed that a Brigid's Cross protects the house from fire and evil.^[2] It is hung in many Irish and Irish-American kitchens for this purpose.

Brigid's cross (sometimes stylized) was used to represent Telefís Éireann and RTÉ 1 (later RTÉ One); in 1961 to 1987 and 1993 to 2000 as it is an unofficial symbol of Ireland.^{[citation needed]}

Contents 1 Story of the Christian St. Brigid and her cross 2 See also 3 External links 4 References

[edit] Story of the Christian St. Brigid and her cross

In Christian mythology, St. Brigid and her cross are linked together by a story about her weaving this form of cross at the death bed of either her father or a pagan lord, who upon hearing what the cross meant, asked to be baptized. One version goes as follows:

A pagan chieftain from the neighbourhood of Kildare was dying. Christians in his household sent for Brigid to talk to him about Christ. When she arrived, the chieftain was raving. As it was impossible to instruct this delirious man, hopes for his conversion seemed doubtful. Brigid sat down at his bedside and began consoling him. As was customary, the dirt floor was strewn with rushes both for warmth and cleanliness. Brigid stooped down and started to weave them into a cross, fastening the points together. The sick man asked what she was doing. She began to explain the cross, and as she talked, his delirium quieted and he questioned her with growing interest. Through her weaving, he converted and was baptized at the point of death. Since then, the cross of rushes has been venerated in Ireland.

[edit] See also

• Brigid
• Brigid of Kildare
• Celtic Cross
• Ojo de Dios

[edit] External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Cross of St Brigid

• How to make three varieties of the St. Brigid's Cross
• St. Brigid's Cross
• St. Brigid's Cross

[edit] References