St brigid patron saint of
Why is st brigid no longer a saint
St brigid story...
ANN MASSEY explores the legend of the Ireland’s Saint Brigid and the strong ties to the Pagan Goddess of the same name and the festival of Imbolc.
Saint Brigid Facts
- 1 February marks the Patron’s Saint Day of Saint Brigid and the Pagan Festival of Imbolc, attributed to the Goddess Brigid.
- The name Brigid (also known as Brigit) comes from the old Irish ‘Breo saighit’ which means ‘fiery arrow.’
- The goddess Brigid came into being as a part of the Tuatha Dé Dannan race, born at the first rays of sunrise.
As she walked, her feet would leave a trail of shamrocks and flowers in her midst.
- She is Goddess of the Spring, the Arts and craftsmakers. She is also the deity of metalworkers, from Blacksmiths to Silversmiths, something continued by her saintly namesake.
- Brigid’s son, Ruadán died in battle and she was so distraught, her song-like cries of grief were heard throughout Ireland and the tradition of keening at wakes and funerals stemmed from this moment.
- Brigid’s shrin
