Saint Patrick is celebrated around the world each March 17, but in Ireland, Saint Brigid, who is held in equally high regard, predates Patrick by centuries. In fact, St. Brigid is credited with easing the conversion of the Celts to Christianity. St. Brigid is the patron saint of poetry, springtime, and fertility. Her feast day is celebrated on February 1, a day associated with the ancient Celtic festival of Imbolc, heralding the return of spring.
Displaying her devotion to God and an altruistic nature from an early age, legend has it that Brigid, who was born into an affluent family, readily gave away her father's milk, butter, and meat to the needy. Her father attempted to arrange Brigid's marriage to the King of Leinster. But the attempt was thwarted by Brigid's donation of her father's bejeweled sword to a passing leper. King Leinster, having reservations about marriage to this rebellious and overly-generous young woman, agreed to allow Brigid to become a nun. When Brigid pressed the king to give her a piece of land upon which she could establish a monastery, the king told Brigid she could have a property in Kildare, the size to be equal to the spread of her cape. Brigid laid her cape upon the ground, and legend has it that her cape miraculously spread out and continued to spread until it covered a great acreage. She built her monastery for both monks and nuns, and this holy community promoted education, healing of the sick, and serving the needs of the poor.
A perpetual flame burns in Kildare to honor Saint Brigid. She continues to be a revered figure, exemplifying courage, wisdom, and the determination to follow one's heart. Inspired by the story of Saint Brigid, Joaquina created a #handstitched fabric collage depicting Brigid surrounded in spring's emerging flora. This March 17, when you raise a toast to St. Patty, don't forget the equally deserving Saint Brigid. Her spirit represents the season of renewal and the return of light to a dark, cold world.
Rebozo
Hand-woven Rebozo, circa 1910