Articles like these are sponsored free for every Catholic through the support of generous readers just like you. The weaving of the St. Brigid’s cross is a beautiful tradition, one that is hinged on the saving action performed by Jesus Christ on Mount Calvary.

History and Meaning of St Brigid’s Cross - Ireland Wide

The distinctive St. Brigid’s Cross design, made from woven rushes, is thought to keep evil, fire and hunger from the homes in which it is displayed, however the tale of its creation is somewhat confused, and there is not one definitive version. The Christian Saint Brigid is the patron saint of Ireland. However, she is a pretty dynamic saint and Ireland is not the only thing she symbolises to the Irish people. She is also the Patron Saint of dairymaids, cattle, midwives, Irish nuns, and newborn babies. Many people sprinkle holy water on their St. Brigid’s crosses before putting them up in their homes, signifying its religious importance in Ireland’s culture. Just tried this craft, and it was so much fun! Also, if anyone is trying to work in a sciencey link, However, just like many other Celtic symbols, the history and symbolism of this traditional symbol are murky and complicated. From pagan druids to believers of Christianity, Saint Brigid’s Cross has been claimed as a spiritual symbol by many.

How do I make a St. Brigid’s Cross?

So after our many experiments, I’m going to recommend making these out of pipe cleaners with kids (and quite possibly, half-length pipe cleaners.) Although this symbol is now associated with Christianity, its history could be far older. What Is The Symbolic Meaning Of St Brigid’s Cross?

St Brigids Cross - Etsy UK St Brigids Cross - Etsy UK

The chieftain was interested in the cross and began to ask her questions about it. Brigid explained to him the life of Jesus Christ and his death on the cross. This greatly consoled him and brought peace to his soul. He subsequently converted to the Christian faith and was baptized before he died. Saint Brigid and her cross are full of intrigue and mystery. So, it comes as no surprise that many people still have a lot of questions about this holy woman and her poignant Christian symbol. The symbolism of Saint Brigid’s cross will differ depending on whose perspective you are looking at. The traditional St. Brigid's Cross is made from reeds or rushes and is designed to be temporary. ( Culnacreann / Wikimedia Commons) Not only does this worksheet teach your children how to make a St. Brigid’s Cross, but it can also enrich their learning experience. It can help to develop a number of skills, such as:Of all the Irish Celtic symbols we know and love, Saint Brigid’s cross is still utilized in many Irish homes around the island of Ireland. The meaning behind St. Brigid’s Cross is multilayered. While it’s primarily an Irish Christian symbol, it might have its roots in the pagan sunwheel, which was meant to bless the earth with fertility and life. The centerpiece also recalls the movement of the stars as the year passes, evoking how the Big Dipper rotates slowly around the North Star. However, the main purpose of St. Brigid’s Cross is to protect a house and drive evil, fire, and hunger away. It can also represent peace and goodwill, and it was even placed in cowsheds to safeguard animals and help cows to produce more milk.

St. Brigid’s Cross - an Easy Step by Step Guide Making a St. Brigid’s Cross - an Easy Step by Step Guide

St.Brigid, also known as “Mary of the Gael”, is an abbess and patroness of Ireland. She is furthermorethe founder of the first Irish monastery in County Kildare, Ireland. Born in Dundalk in 450 AD, St Brigid is accredited with first creating the unique cross whichbears her name. This cross isnormally hand created from rushes however occasionally straw is also used. St Bridget’s Day is celebrated on the 1st February each year and the crosses are made at that time. Rushes were traditionally used to make the St Bridget’s Cross. These were collected from wetlands and cut into pieces, 8-12 inches long. Rushes can be hard to get for city dwellers so ordinary drinking straws are a good substitute. Use rubber bands to tie up the ends. If you still have some questions in mind about St Brigid’s Cross, we have you covered! In this section, we answer some of our readers’ most frequently asked questions about the topic, along with some that appear often in online searches. Where do you put a St Brigid’s Cross? A standard format for St Brigid’s Cross is four arms tied at the centre with a woven square. However, three-armed St Brigid’s Cross’ have also been seen throughout history.Saint Brigid’s Cross has been so iconic in Irish culture that at one point, it was the symbol of the Department of Health and used as part of the brand visuals for RTÉTelevision up until the 1990s. In addition, it is utilised in the logo of An Bord Altranais, the Irish Nursing Board. Your questions answered about St Brigid’s Cross Read More: 5 Inspirational Women Who Influenced the Politics and Culture of Ireland The Christian Origins of Saint Brigid’s Cross She was responsible for founding many monasteries. The most respected and revered of all was in County Kildare – leading to her name, Brigid of Kildare. Real or mythical? – two people with the same name Credit: commons.wikimedia.org St Brigid’s Cross is almost more popular than the woman herself. And, it is safe to say that most Irish kids will recall making a cross in primary school at one stage or another. Fold a third reed in half and over both parts of the second reed to lie horizontally from left to right against the first straw. Hold tight.