Unlike traditional crosses, this one has a square centerpiece with four radials that are woven together in a crisscross pattern, with each end tied with a string.

The Abbey of Kildare became one of the most prestigious monasteries in Ireland, and was famous throughout Christian Europe. It is timely that the current Bishop of Kildare & Meath in the Church of Ireland is a woman - Bishop Patricia Storey. Brigid died in Kildare around 525 AD and was buried in a tomb before the high altar of her founded abbey.Thanks for reading, and if you are interested in learning about more Celtic Symbols, read the main article here. Another custom was to leave a small piece of cloth or rag outside on a bush on the eve of St Brigid's Day. The belief was it would be blessed by St Brigid overnight and be bestowed with curative properties by morning. This cloth was known as the brat Bríde (also known in places as Bratóg Bríde) and could be worn within clothing for protection, or used as a cure for headaches or toothaches. According to the legend, Saint Brigid met with the King of Leinster and asked for land, stating that the place where she stood was the perfect place for a convent.

In nearly all parts of Ireland on the eve of her feast-day, February 1, crosses are woven out of rushes, or straw, in commemoration of that story. They are hung up inside the front door, or in kitchen, dairy or cow-byre, toinvoke her blessing on the family, home and farm for the coming year. The crosses of the previous year are then burned. Traditionally they are set over doorways and windows to protect the home from any kind of harm. Some final notes on St Brigid’s Cross Followers of the ancient Celtic traditions in Ireland believe that the cross was associated with the pagan festival Imbolg, which signaled the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Saint Brigid’s Cross is an iconic symbol associated with Saint Brigid’s Day that has endured over the centuries. The famous cross synonymous with the saint is usually made from rushes – a grass-like plant found in Ireland.As we build up to St Brigid's Day Melanie Lynch, CEO & Creative Director of Herstory, shares some of the legends and stories surrounding this amazing woman! The ancient Irish people held Brigid in high esteem and regarded her as a powerful deity who played a vital role in their daily lives. As the goddess of fire, Brigid brought warmth and illumination to the hearth, ensuring the comfort and well-being of households.