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One of the most widespread Irish customs associated with St Brigid is the making of the
Cros Bride (St Brigid's Cross) which may have originated as a sun symbol. In St Brigid's
time, it was customary for rushes to be strewn on the floor of a dwelling. Legend tells
us that, one day, Brigid visited a pagan chieftain who was on his deathbed. As she sat by
his bed, she reached down and picked up some rushes from the floor and wove them into a
cross. The chieftain asked what she was doing and she told him about the significance of
the Christian cross and how Jesus had died to save all people, including him. He was
overcome by the idea that he could be loved so much and was converted to Christianity
before he died.
The St Brigid's cross is traditionally woven on St Brigid's Eve and placed in the home,
usually over the door, to bless all who come in or go out, and to gain protection of the
household from fire and disease. In some parts of Ireland, as they hung up the cross, they
said this prayer:
"May the blessing of God and the Trinity be on this cross, and on the Home where it
hangs and on everyone who looks at it."
Often, a cross would be placed in the cow byre to protect the animals and to keep the
milk flowing. It became, in some places, a symbol of peace and goodwill, and was offered
as an indication of a desire for friendship after a local quarrel.
The cross has endured from generation to generation, surviving great persecution,
oppression and hunger.
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