Now a national holiday in Ireland, St. Brigid’s Day is celebrated not like most saints on the day she died, but on the day of her birth, traditionally the first day of spring in Ireland. It’s said that you can tell when spring will arrive by watching the hedgehog. If he’s out and about, spring must surely be on the way. Sound familiar? Yes, it’s believed St. Brigid’s Day gave way to Groundhog Day in America. Feb. 1 there, Feb. 2 here.
Kildare means “Church of the Oak.” It’s the place where St. Brigid established her duel monastery (both men and women) on land granted to her by the king of Leinster.
Kildare was a sacred place long before Brigid came, and long before St. Patrick brought Christianity to Ireland. Oaks were sacred to the pre-Christian Celts, and Kildare was one of those treasured spots.
Brigid is said to have tended a sacred flame at Kildare. From The Roots of Irish Wisdom:
“It is said that the sisters tended a continuously burning fire there for centuries. In Brigid’s lifetime, she and nineteen other sisters perpetuated the fire. After Brigid’s death it is said that no one was needed to tend the fire on the twentieth night; it continued as if Brigid herself was tending it. The fire pit was surrounded by brush and no man was allowed to enter. Some sources say that in the year 1220, fearing the practice was pagan, an archbishop ordered the fire to be extinguished. It was soon relit and continued on until the Reformation, when it was smothered once again.”
Today the flame is still burning. It was relit in 1993. You can read about that here. This year, 2024, the town of Kildare and other places significant to her are marking the 1500th anniversary of St. Brigid’s death. You can read about it here.
It’s incredible that St. Brigid has seen such a massive revival in Ireland. St. Brigid crosses are now all the rage! It’s also incredible that it’s taken so long for most people to embrace her message of rights for women, a reverence for nature, caring for the poor, and generosity. It’s certainly what the world needs today.
From my book, The Roots of Irish Wisdom:
By giving to others Brigid gave to her God. She is said to have believed that Christ was in the poor person, a belief held by all the Celtic Christians. They gave freely and without reservation as though giving to the Lord.Whether my house is dark or bright, I close it not on any wight, lest Thou, hereafter, King of Stars, against me close Thy Heavenly bars. If from a guest who shares thy board Thy dearest dainty thou shalt hoard, ’tis not that guest, O never doubt it, but Mary’s Son shall do without it. ~From the Celtic Psaltery by Alfred Perceval Graves
Mark the day by reflecting on these things and St. Brigid’s wish, traditionally attributed to her although we have no writings from her.
I should like a great lake of beer for the King of Kings.
I should like the angels of Heaven to be drinking it through time eternal.
I should likeexcellent meats of belief and pure piety.
I should like the men of Heaven at my house.
I should like barrels of peace at their disposal.
I should like for them cellars of mercy.
I should like cheerfulness to be their drinking.
I should like Jesus to be there among them.
I should like the three Marys of illustrious renown to be with us.
I should like the people of Heaven, the poor, to be gathered around from all parts.
Stay tuned for more posts about finding St. Brigid on our April 2023 tour!
