BRIGID / IMBOLC
INSTRUCTIONS
- Brigid Cross: making_a_stbrigidcross_2025_0202.pdf
- Brigid Doll: making_a_brideog_brideydoll_2025_0202.pdf
ABOUT BRIGID
Brigid is the Celtic goddess of fire (the forge and the hearth), poetry, healing, childbirth, and unity. She is known by many names, including that of Saint Brigid, who is, perhaps, the most powerful religious figure in Irish history. She was also revered as the Irish goddess of poetry and song. Known for her hospitality to poets, musicians, and scholars, she is known as the Irish muse of poetry. Saint Brigid's feast day is February 1—the date of Imbolc, one of the Gaelic seasonal festivals. The word Imbolc is derived from the Old Irish word "Imbolg," meaning "in the belly," and this Gaelic festival symbolizes the burgeoning life nestled within the womb of the Earth—the first day of Spring and The Goddess reborn. More about Imbolc on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imbolc The 'Maypole of Wisdom' website includes a fascinating history of Brigid, wheat weaving, Straw Boys and figurines in history: https://maypoleofwisdom.com/2023/09/20 |
CROSSES
Brigid's crosses are traditionally made on her feast day. These are three- or four-armed crosses woven from rushes. They are hung over doors and windows for protection against fire, lightning, illness and evil spirits. On St Brigid's Eve, Brigid was said to visit virtuous households and bless the inhabitants. BLESSINGS People left items of clothing or strips of cloth outside overnight for Brigid to bless. These were believed to have powers of healing and protection. Brigid would be symbolically invited into the home and a bed would often be made for her. In some places, a family member who represented Brigid would circle the house three times carrying rushes. They would then knock on the door three times before being welcomed in. |
BRIGID DOLL
In Ireland and parts of Scotland, a doll representing Brigid would be paraded around the community by girls and young women. Known as the Brídeóg ('little Brigid'), anglicized 'Breedhoge' or 'Biddy', it was made from rushes or reeds and clad in bits of cloth, flowers, or shells. In some areas, a girl took on the role of Brigid. Escorted by other girls, she went house-to-house wearing 'Brigid's crown' and carrying 'Brigid's shield' and 'Brigid's cross', all of which were made from rushes.” Another website says: "…It is a representation of the triple goddess Brigid and was traditionally made from raffia, or dried grass, herbs and fabric. A symbol of fertility, fortune, good health, and the reawakening of nature. A Bridey Doll is used to honour the goddess and gain her favour for the rest of the year to come. In order to gain a visit and blessing from Brigid at Imbolc, the Bridey Doll would be sung to, told poetry, danced with around the home and very much be a part of the celebrations pre-Imbolc. On the eve of the sabbat the doll would be placed in a basket and left upon the hearth, usually stuffed with herbs as an offering. Ash from the Imbolc fire would be spread flat in front of the hearth and any mark left in it the following morning was a sure sign that Brigid, the fire and fertility goddess, had been to bless your home. |

COLORS
Brigid’s colors are white (symbolizing purity, innocence, grace, and peacefulness), with yellow and red for the goddess of fire. And when the fire burns out, everything remains charred black. Brigid is the keeper of the sacred well/spring of Kildare so her colors are also blue for water, and white for the snow.
MATERIALS
The Bridey Doll can be made of different materials – whether straw, corn, local plant materials, or other.
Brigid’s colors are white (symbolizing purity, innocence, grace, and peacefulness), with yellow and red for the goddess of fire. And when the fire burns out, everything remains charred black. Brigid is the keeper of the sacred well/spring of Kildare so her colors are also blue for water, and white for the snow.
MATERIALS
The Bridey Doll can be made of different materials – whether straw, corn, local plant materials, or other.