St. Brigid's Cross - The pin, given to me as a gift from a lovely old lady.
On February 1st, Ireland celebrates St. Brigid’s Day, a holiday symbolizing the beginning of spring, the renewal of nature, and the connection between the past and present through the celebration of women’s creativity and strength.
The roots of this holiday lie in ancient Celtic pagan traditions, closely tied to Imbolc, a festival marking the end of winter and the awakening of nature. With the arrival of Christianity, Imbolc gradually became associated with St. Brigid, one of Ireland’s three patron saints (alongside St. Columba and St. Patrick).
St. Brigid is remembered for her compassion, miracles, and leadership. She founded a monastery in Kildare where men and women lived and prayed together. Her relics, including fragments of her bones, are preserved worldwide. In 2024, one such relic was returned to Kildare, marking a significant event for the Irish community.
Symbolism and Modern Relevance
The St. Brigid’s Cross, woven from straw, remains a widely recognized symbol. It is often hung in homes as a protective charm. Alongside the shamrock and Celtic harp, it is a national symbol of Ireland. Since 2018, Irish embassies and consulates have commemorated the day by celebrating women’s creativity through exhibitions, concerts, and literary events. In Kildare, festivals honor both St. Brigid and the pagan traditions of Imbolc.
How I celebrated the Saint Brigid’s Day
The concert held in one of the pubs as part of the new annual festival.
My St. Brigid’s Day celebration started with the journey to the music festival “All We Have Are Days.” At a concert, I happened to sit next to an elderly lady who turned out to be the singer’s mother. We chatted for a while, and I shared my impressions of Ireland. As we said goodbye, she gave me a pin with the St. Brigid’s Cross, saying it would bring me luck.
International dinner - celebratory dinner in our apartment at the City Campus.
After the concert, I joined other international students for a dinner where everyone brought
a dish from their home country. The room was filled with the aromas of spices and baked
goods. Our conversations lasted late into the night. We shared stories about our traditions,
laughed, and made plans for the semester.
Exploring Ireland - Excursion with other international students.
The next day, after the holiday, my friends and I set off on a trip to The Ring of Kerry. The road led us through majestic mountains and green valleys, revealing breath-taking landscapes. The wind smelled of the ocean, and the sun peeked through the clouds, making the day feel truly magical.
Celebrating St. Brigid’s Day highlights the unity of culture, history, and spirituality. From pagan rituals to Christian legends, this holiday embodies hope, women’s strength, and renewal. Today, it continues to inspire people not only in Ireland but around the world.
by Yelyzaveta Shakhova, Urkaine
