St. Brigid is often referred to as “Mary of the Gael”. St. Brigid was called to a

dying pagan King’s bedside, to explain Christianity and the story

of Christ. She picked up some rushes from the floor and formed a cross,

so the first St. Brigid’s cross was created. In Ireland it is traditional to display a

cross for every year one occupies the house. Brigids feast day is celebrated on

the first of February. She is said to protect flocks and herds and to bring

increase, to inspire poetry, grant wisdom and skill in craftsmanship, to heal the

sick and comfort the dying. She was all – powerful and ever – helpful. St. Brigid

was a possible evolution of the Celtic Goddess Brigid, and there is some debate

among historians and theologians as to whether St. Brigid actually existed or

were the legends of the Goddess Brigid simply attributed to her to facilitate the

Christian religion.