In Ireland, about 453 AD, a child was born out of wedlock between Dubhtach and one of his Christian slaves named Brocessa. The slave girl was sent to a cabin at the foot of the Cooley Mountains near Dundalk, Co Louth, to have the child.

The baby was a healthy girl, which was no great joy to Dubhtach who wanted a son. The mother was sold to a Chieftain in Connaught, and the child was given to a Druid to be raised and educated.

The child was named Brigid, perhaps to seek the blessing of the Goddess, for from the very beginning, there were indications that she was special. It was reported that she was born at sunrise, and that the cottage in which she was born burst into flame when she left it.

St. Brigid's life was a remarkable one, and the places in Ireland, associated with her, are scenes of pilgrimage throughout the year.

HISTORY OF THE SAINT BRIGID'S CROSS

Sometimes on her journeys Brigid turned preacher. On one such
occasion, according to tradition, Brigid first made that cross of green rushes which is imitated in many places to this day.

A pagan chief lay dying and sent to Kildare begging that the great Abbess should visit him before the end. Brigid hastened to his stronghold, eager to bring the dying man the gift of the faith. She found him in a desperate state, raving, so that his servants feared to approach; but in her silent and commanding presence the wretched man grew calm.

Brigid took from the floor a handful of rushes, which in those days served for floor-covering, and set to work weaving a cross in a peculiar ingenious mode, something like basket-work. The four arms are interlocked at the centre and the ends of the arms closed in small knots, or with bonds of thread.

"What are you making?" - the sick man asked, as he watched the skillful fingers of the craftswoman Abbess.

"This is a cross, which I make in honour of the Virgin's son, who died for us upon a cross of wood."

Brigid went on to tell how Christ came to save mankind by His death, and the dying man was touched in heart and believed, and asked for baptism.

So strong was the respect and reverence for this holy lady that she became the patroness of parishes, towns, and counties, not only in Ireland, but all across Europe.

During the age of Chivalry, she was so revered as a model for women of every age, that gentlemen, knights, and nobles began the custom of calling their sweethearts, their Brides - a custom that has come down to this very day.

You will need: 16 pieces of straw or other weaving material, each 8" long. Thread to tie off the ends.

Although the crosog Brigde (St. Brigid's Cross) is usually made from rushes or straw in Ireland, you can easily weave one of the decorative crosses from many materials. Any limber material such as a vine or long grass will do. If you have access to stalks of wheat, the cross takes on an even deeper dimension if you leave the head of grain which, when woven, will form the ends of the cross's arms. Formed from chenille pipe cleaners, the crosses make an attractive Christmas tree ornament for little hands to craft.

Fold the first two pieces in half, slipping 1 side of 1 piece through the fold of the other. Fold a third piece in half over the second piece. (See the diagram) Continue adding folded pieces, lapping each piece over the one you just placed previously. When all 16 pieces have been placed, take the loose ends of the last piece and tuck them under the piece they face. Pinch the loose ends of each arm of the cross together and tie tightly with twine. Clip the loose ends as close as possible to the tie.