After some time, the members of the early Irish church declared her a saint. This was mostly to do with her devotion to God and her holy achievements in Ireland. Many households would leave a small piece of cloth or ribbon on their windowsill during the night. The superstition was that Brigid would touch the ribbon whilst on her travels thereby imbuing it with magical powers. Families would keep this holy cloth throughout the year to protect them against illness. A Symbol of Protection

Said to ward off evil, fire and hunger; the Cross of St. Brigid is an old Irish symbol of protection. One story where she is said to have changed water into beer for a leper colony and miraculously provided enough beer for over 18 churches from one single barrel is why she is also thought of as the patron of beer. Where Should You Hang St Brigid’s Cross? From RTÉ Radio 1's Morning Ireland, Fiona Byrne from the Ulster Folk Museum on a new public holiday to mark St. Brigid's DayThe cross itself is considered an ancient fire wheel symbol, which would explain its use as a protector from evil, fire, and hunger.

Many people still make new crosses to place in their homes on the 1st of February. Many churches will also craft this cross design to hand out to their congregation during Saint Brigid’s Mass. What Is St Brigid The Patron Saint Of?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. You might just be wondering, “Why on earth do Irish people fashion a St. Brigid’s Cross of straw or rushes and place it inside the house over the door.?” Great question. Design [ edit ] The arms of the cross are not parallel to one another, giving the impression of motion. St. Brigid of Ireland (451–525 A.D.), also known as St. Brigit of Kildare, was born to a pagan Irish chieftain father and a Christian slave mother, making her a slave girl. She worked as a dairy maid, and became known for her virtuous life and charity to the poor. Recognizing her great piety and special graces, a Christian king convinced her father to grant Brigid her freedom.

The King then believed in God's power and became a Christian-- and gifted Brigid enough land for her convent. Irish saints were mainly active during the 4 th to 10th centuries. Christianity was introduced to Ireland in the 4 th-century. With that came Celtic Christianity and missionaries whose life purpose was to spread the word of God.

O'Dowd, Anne (2015). Straw, Hay & Rushes in Irish Folk Tradition. Dublin, IE: Irish Academic Press. ISBN 978-07165-3310-8. St Brigid, who was born in Dundalk in 450 AD, is accredited with creating the very first unique cross, which we know today is called “St Brigid’s Cross” Brigid's cross or Brigit's cross (Irish: Cros Bhríde, Crosóg Bhríde or Bogha Bhríde) is a small variant of the cross often woven from straw or rushes. It appears in many different shapes, but the most popular designs feature a woven diamond or lozenge in the centre. The cross is named for the Christian saint Brigid of Kildare. This living tradition is one of the most remarkable examples of continuity to be found anywhere in the world. She explained the meaning of the cross to the old chieftain until her soothing words brought peace to his soul. The old chieftain eventually relaxed, as he lay captivated by Brigid’s words. Just before his death, the old pagan chieftain was baptized as a Christian.