Saint Brigid of Kildare

                                            


Today, February1 is Imbolc or St. Brigid's day , the Gaelic traditional festival. It marks the beginning of Spring. I am reminded of the day Ruth went with her mother in law Naomi to Bethlehem. The time of barley harvest which marked the beginning of Spring. ( The barley harvest in ancient Israel took place in the early spring)

So Naomi returned, and with her Ruth, the Moabitess, her daughter-in-law, who returned from the land of Moab. And they came to Bethlehem at the beginning of barley harvest.”(Ruth 1:14-22)

So, St. Brigid's day is about half way between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. This tradition of Imbolc used to be observed throughout Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man. Weaving of Brigid's Crosses is one of the customs practised even in the present day. These are hung over doors and windows as protection against fire, illness and evil spirits. 

 Since 2023, "Imbolc/St Brigid's Day" has been an annual public holiday in the Republic of Ireland.This feast day is shared byDar Ludach, who tradition says was her student, close companion, and successor.




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