Rush St. Brigid’s Cross

St. Brigid’s Cross is handmade in Ireland from rushes gathered from the River Shannon.

The Cross  is placed in the rafters of their cottages on the feast of St. Brigid, February 1st, the day on which she died, about 524 A.D.

It is believed that the St. Brigid Cross protects the home from evil and want.

St. Brigid-“Mary of the Gael”

Brigid is renowned among Ireland’s heritage of Saints.  During the mid-fifth century, she was born and became a Christian like mother, Brocessa.  Although she was the daughter of Dubhtach, a Leinster Pagan Chieftain, her mother was a slave.  Brigid, too was considered a slave and she with other slaves did all the work of the house.  She is always remembered as being kind and charitable to her slave companions and all the animals and birds.

Brigid built the first Irish Covent  beside a giant oak tree and this place became known as “The Church of the Oak” (Cill Dara) or Kildare as it is known today.

While explaining the Passion to a dying Pagan, Brigid wove a cross from the rushes about the floor.  The St. Brigid’s Cross made of Rushes is now always associated with her.