Brigid's eve...
At last the 'coming of the light'. A little glimmer of hope and positivity as we begin to leave the darkness behind.
February 1st signifies the Celtic beginning of Spring. I know in other countries it is usually March but in Ireland we celebrate earlier as the tradition goes back to Imbolc where the day was, and for many still is, a festival of the hearth and home. A celebration of the lengthening days and the early signs of spring.
It is also the Day of St. Brigid who is associated with healing, holy wells and sacred flames. She was a healer, a farmer, a patron of midwives, a symbol of fertility. She welcomes the beginning of spring by lighting fires to encourage the light and purification. She was both a Celtic goddess and a catholic saint. Brigid was known to don a magic cape, a keeper of peace and may have been a warrior too.
The Brat Bríde
Leaving a ribbon, cloth or favourite blanket outside on the eve of Brigid's day is called a Brat Bríde or Ribín Bríde. As St Brigid crosses through the land on the eve of her feast (January 31st), she blesses the Brat Bríde, leaving it with healing and protective properties.
Spring cleaning, both within ourselves and our environment, is often carried out this time of year too.
Have you any plans to spring clean? Get through that drawer of clutter, do a detox or clear your mind with some mindful meditation? Whatever you do I hope it leaves you feeling refreshed and renewed, ready for the longer days ahead.
St. Brigid’s Blessing
May Brigid bless the house wherein you dwell
Bless every fireside every wall and door
Bless every heart that beats beneath its roof
Bless every hand that toils to bring it joy
Bless every foot that walks its portals through
May Brigid bless the house that shelters you.
