Holiday Wraps! Brigid Cross for Solstice/Christmas Gifts

Celebrate tradition this Holiday season- Gift a hand-woven traditional Brigid Cross made from wild-gathered natural reeds. They'll be packed up with fine papers and foil wraps and tied with ribbons of your choice, with an enclosure describing the tradition- ideal for a favorite hostess, a heartfelt small gift, or the nicest of little thank yous  for a sister, friend or a special aunt. 

Brigid crosses are shipped ready-to-give, with ribbons in kelly green, classic red, and white satin, and lovely heavy papers in silver spirals, green, gold foil or textured red. Nearly all of my ribbons and wraps, packing envelopes and other materials come from a recycling center - keeps them out of the landfill! 

Brigid and her welcoming hearth embody hospitality! I make my Brigid Crosses in the traditional Donegal style, from soft rushes gathered near my studio in coastal Rhode Island. A gift enclosure describing their tradition is included. They measure about 7" across the diagonal. 

Brigid's crosses are associated with Brigid of Kildare, who is venerated as one of the patron saints of Ireland. The crosses are traditionally made on the eve of 1 February, Lá Fhéile Bhríde (St. Brigid's feast day), the day of her liturgical celebration. This feast coincides with the more ancient one of her pagan namesake, one of Ireland's most important Goddesses, Brigid, who is associated with fire, poetry, healing and holy wells; it celebrates the earliest stirrings of Spring, and is called Imbolc.  The equal arm crosses express the motion of the Sun Wheel as well as the later interpretations.  They are traditionally placed at the entrance to cottages or outbuildings, and in kitchens and at hearthside,  to protect homes, animals and loved ones; it is believed that a Brigid's Cross protects a house from fire and evil. It is hung in many Irish and Irish-American kitchens for this purpose. 

Please order one week ahead for easy, fast gift delivery to US and Canada.  I can hand write your greeting to include with the card enclosure. 

You are welcome to contact me about quantities and special occasions; I have shipped my Brigid Crosses all over the world for christenings, bridesmaids' gifts, housewarmings and many other occasions. Your request for special orders and colors will be honored with pleasure- and you can start with the Custom Orders section of my shop. In addition, I offer classes for small groups to teach the making of Brigid Crosses; feel free to contact me! 

-Laura Travis

Warren, RI
facebook.com/crioscross