Known in Irish as Lá Fhéile Bríde, St. Brigid’s Day has been a public holiday in Ireland since 2023. It is the first Irish bank holiday named after a woman.
The celebration takes place on February 1, about halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. It marks the beginning of spring and symbolises hope, renewal, and new life after the long winter months.
St. Brigid’s Day originates in the ancient Celtic festival of Imbolc. Imbolc was one of the four seasonal festivals of the Celtic year, along with Bealtaine (May 1), Lúnasa (August 1), and Samhain (November 1). These “quarter days” marked the transition from one season to the next.
With the arrival of Christianity in Ireland, the pagan festival of Imbolc gradually became associated with St. Brigid.
Who Was St. Brigid?
According to early Irish sources such as Cormac’s Glossary, Brigid was originally a triple goddess associated with fertility, poetry, and smithcraft.
In Christian tradition, Brigid of Kildare founded a monastery in Kildare around 470 AD. She became one of Ireland’s most beloved saints.
Brigid is closely associated with fire and holy wells, reflecting her pagan origins. She was believed to protect fertility in both humans and animals. She also offered protection against illness and disease.
Because Imbolc is the season of new life and procreation, many symbols connected to her feast day represent birth and the feminine.
St. Brigid’s Eve Traditions
St. Brigid’s Eve, known in Irish as Oíche Fhéile Brígide, was traditionally marked by a family feast.
The evening meal often consisted of mashed potatoes known as “poundies” or “bruitins,” served with oat bread. Sometimes the bread was used instead of a fork. The potatoes were mashed with milk, butter, and onion.
After the meal, the youngest child — or the fear an tí (man of the house) — would knock on the door holding rushes. They would call out:
“Go on your knees, open your eyes, and let in Saint Brigid.”
The family would reply three times, “She’s welcome.” The rushes were then brought inside to make St. Brigid’s crosses.
St. Brigid’s Cross
The crosses were blessed and placed throughout the house and farm buildings for protection against fire, lightning, and sickness. In the past, they were often placed under thatched roofs.
One legend says that during a time of plague, St. Brigid hung crosses in her convent, which was then spared from disease.
There are several types of St. Brigid’s crosses. The most recognisable is the four-armed cross. Diamond or lozenge-shaped crosses were also common.
The lozenge shape symbolised fertility and the womb. These crosses were sometimes placed under the mattress of newlyweds to encourage fertility.
Crosses were made from rushes, straw, reeds, grass, wood, wire, and even goose quills.
Another variation was the Crios Bríde (Brigid’s girdle). This was a large circular, triple-plaited straw belt with crosses woven into it. Girls stepped through it for protection from illness, while men passed through it sideways. It symbolised the womb and safe childbirth.
The Biddy Boys
Children and young adults dressed in disguise and travelled from house to house as “brídeógs” or “Biddy Boys.”
They wore decorated straw hats and carried a small effigy of St. Brigid made from straw, sticks, or even a sod of turf dressed in cloth. Music was played when they were welcomed into homes.
In return, families gave money or eggs to the group.
The Brat Bríde
Another custom involved placing a white cloth outside on St. Brigid’s Eve. This cloth, known as the Brat Bríde, was believed to be blessed if touched by Brigid during the night.
It was thought to have healing powers. Small pieces were sewn into clothing for protection and to ease pain throughout the year.
Some families also left their doors unlocked so that Brigid and her companions could enter and warm themselves by the fire.
Holy Wells and Pilgrimage
Holy wells dedicated to St. Brigid attracted pilgrims on her feast day. One of the most famous is St Brigid’s Well.
People performed prayer rounds at the well and collected water believed to cure infertility and eye problems. Many prayed the rosary before washing their eyes in the water.
If someone was cured, it was said they might see a fish in the well. Visitors often left ribbons, rosary beads, or medals as offerings.
Families travelled from across Ireland to visit these wells, turning the day into a pilgrimage and social gathering.
St. Brigid’s Day Today
Many traditions survive today, especially the making of St. Brigid’s crosses in schools and communities. However, some customs — such as placing crosses under thatched roofs or performing the door ritual — are less common.
St. Brigid’s Day continues to celebrate the feminine, renewal, birth, and hope. It marks the transition from darkness into light.
From ancient pagan roots to modern national holiday, St. Brigid’s feast is now celebrated worldwide through festivals, cultural events, and community gatherings.
We also visit St. Brigid’s Holy Well on our Tour to the Cliffs of Moher from Killarney.