St. Brigid's Cross Brooch

St. Brigid "Mary of the Gael' was born in the mid-fifth century and buried at Downpatrick beside St. Patrick and St. Colmcille. Brigid built the first Irish Convent beside a giant oak tree - this place became known as the Church of the Oak (Cill Dara) or Kildare as it is known today.

Daughter of a pagan chieftain - a stubborn unbeliever, before his death Brigid sat by him in prayer, and whiled away the time by weaving the first St. Brigid's Cross from the rushes strewn about the floor (rushes and rush matting was the floor covering of the time). Her father seeing the Cross asked her to explain its meaning, and was so overwhelmed became a Christian before his death.

The St. Brigid's Cross is still made in Ireland today. Her feast day, February 1st is the day she died about 524 A.D. It is believed this emblem protects the home and animals from evil.

This cross brooch is traditional made and a lovely addition to your winter coat or a scarf. Please note that each cross is hand made in Co. Roscommon and each cross may vary slightly.