St Brigid's Day in Ireland
Description:
It was believed that on the eve of her feast St. Brigid travels around the country, blessing people and their homes. As a symbol of the fact that in this house she is welcome and look forward to her visit, pie or pieces of bread with butter were laid out on the windowsill. (In some parts of Ireland, bread was baked in the form of a cross.) A few ears were laid nearby for her favorite white cow.
No matter how poor the house was, and any hostess always tried to prepare a festive dinner or at least one festive dish. The traditional treat was apple pies, poppy pies, pancakes, wheat or barley flatbreads, pumpkin and sunflower seeds. Butter was served on the table (it was specially strayed in the morning). In honor of the saint, who became famous for her generosity, and in order to ensure wealth and prosperity in the following year, the more prosperous hosts treated their less fortunate neighbors with butter and milk. Sometimes on this occasion, they cut a sheep and distributed meat to friends and simply those in need.
It is said that she once visited a dying pagan ruler and baptized him with a cross woven from reed. Hence the custom of the day of St. Brigids weave reed or reed crosses to protect the home throughout the following year. Crosses woven on this day are attached above the door to replace the last year, which the owners remove and store in the house.
On the feast of St. Brigids were prohibited from any action involving the rotation of the wheel. Children in Ireland are not allowed to ride bicycles on this day.
On this day you can see everywhere handkerchiefs hung on linen ropes. This is done to ensure the health of all family members for the next year. Previously, strips of fabric or tape were hung (they were called Brigid’s robes). It was believed that if the saint touched them, they would acquire healing properties.
In the old days, the robes went from house to house and carried a straw doll with them. It was called Brideog. Her companions (Biddie Boys) sang and danced, and the hosts thanked them with candy, pies and money.