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Author: * MacMorna Niafer -
4 Posts
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Date: Jan 26, 2006 - 13:33
 There are many tales surrounding the origin of Brighid’s Cross, or the Cros na Bride. Some will tell you the cross originated with St. Brigit as she sat with a dying chieftain of the pagan Celts. As the old man sank deeper into his fevered ravings, she picked up some rushes from the floor and fashioned the cross which we have come to know so well. The chieftain awoke from his delerium just long enough to ask what she was doing, and she explained how the four points represented the four gospels and the three straws of each arm represented the trinity within each. Upon her completion of the cross and the lesson, the old man accepted Christianity and then died a peaceful death.
 Since that time the simple cross, woven of rushes or straws, has come to represent the strength and protective spirit of St. Brigit. However, the true origins go much further back into the mists of our history. Scattered over much of the Celtic territories are rocks with a curious (and familiar) marking upon them. This is frequently called a "fylfot" or swastika, since it does have four arms. Others seem to think it is a "sun" symbol, and sometimes connect it loosely with the Goddess Brighid. After all, she is also called "bright arrow" or "fiery arrow" and her celebration of Imbolc just happens to coincide with the return of the sun’s warming rays.
Whichever you choose to believe, Brighid’s Cross has long been a symbol of protection for house and home. This is exemplified by the following blessing:
Blessing of a House
May Brighid's cross be upon your dwelling,
May Brighid's cross be upon your hearth,
May Brighid's cross be upon your abode,
And upon your new fire blazing.
May Brighid's cross be upon your topmost grain,
May Brighid's cross be upon your fruitful wives,
May Brighid's cross be upon your virile sons,
And upon your conceptive daughters.
May Brighid's cross be upon your means and portion,
May Brighid's cross be upon your kith and kin,
May Brighid's cross be upon you each day and night,
Each day and each night of your lives.
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The Origins of Brighid's Cross
The Craft House
(- threads, 90 posts)
Imbolc 2006 - Brighid's Cross
(20 posts)
How to Make Your Own Brighid's Cross
