Even after 1500 years, the celebration of Saint Brigid is still traditionally marked by the annual ritual of the weaving of rush crosses of various types in her honour.
Used as protective charms above doorways against fire, evil and want this custom will be brought alive next week at Aughakillymaude Community Mummers Centre.
STRAWCRAFT
On both Thursday 31st January (Brigid's eve) and Brigid's Day (1st February) both the public and local schools will have every chance of being taught by local strawcraft workers on how to weave and fashion the many forms of Brigid's crosses ranging from thefour legged cross in the shape of the Swastika to the oldest form, the three legged cross which is specially associated with the fertility of cattle.
DOLL FIGURES
The free two day, public workshop event funded with European Union, Peace & Reconciliation monies, through the Rural Development Council will also include the rarely seen ritual of making Brideogs, (little Brigids) straw doll figures which formed the main part of the traditional biddy boy's processions on Brigid's day on 1st February.
This custom in honour of Brigid which was practised in Fermanagh right up until the 1950's had young children in a procession and dressed in Mummers hats holding aloft the straw effigy of Brigid, entering households where upon they would recite a rhyme in honour.
In return, the children were always rewarded with food which was gathered up for an evening Biddy celebratory feast.
HARD WORK
Rounding off the hard work of making St Brigids crosses and Brideog straw dolls on both days will be a public lecture on Friday evening on St Brigids Day. Jonny Dillion archivist at the De Largy centre of Irish Folklore based at University College Dublin will demonstrate how Brigid ( also spelt Brigit, Bridget) is viewed as one of the most important bridging figures between pagan and Christian Celtic traditions.
CELTIC GODDESS
For anyone interested in finding out about the mythology of Brigid, both the Celtic Goddess and the Saint and all the associated folk customs such as Saint Brigid's cradle and the Saint Brigid's cloth then this is a lecture not to be missed!
On hand will be a full display of ST Brigids crosses and Brigeods from the Department of Irish Folklore.at UCD Dublin.
