Date:
On January 31, we will celebrate for the second year in a row, the feast of St. Brigid with Brigid cross making instruction.
St. Brigid’s Eve allows us to offer a program ensuring that we keep strong “the ties that bind”
Padraic Deiseach, Fulbright teacher of the Irish language at Elms College invites all to attend St. Brigid’s Eve, Tuesday, January 31, 2012. at 7 p.m. at the Irish Cultural Center, 3rd floor of Berchmans Hall.
Deiseach will give a few words on St. Brigid, followed by instruction on St. Brigid cross making. Julia Campbell who teaches arts and crafts at Celtic Adventures for Kids will assist him. Hopefully, all attendees will complete and take home their own St. Brigid’s Cross. Light refreshments will be served: a free will offering will be accepted. Berchmans Hall is handicapped accessible.
Background information:
Brigid’s cross, though not recorded before the seventeenth century, is an Irish symbol. Though a Christian symbol, it possibly derives from the pagan sun wheel. It is usually made from rushes or, less often from straw. It comprises a woven square in the center and four radials tied at the ends. This year we will use reeds.
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 February 1, which in the Irish language is called Lá Fhéile Bhríde (St. Brigid’s feast day), the day of her liturgical celebration.
Many rituals are associated with the making of the crosses. It was traditionally believed that a Brigid’s Cross protects the house from fire and evil. It is hung in many Irish and Irish-American kitchens for this purpose. Brigid’s cross is an unofficial symbol of Ireland.
