Imbolc/Brigid's Day Brigid's Cross

It's a very special year in Ireland- Brigid 1500! Wherever you are, you can celebrate Imbolc and St. Brigid's Day on February 1- and the beginning of the end of Winter! Why not gift a hand-woven Brigid Cross made from wild-gathered natural reeds. They'll be  packed up with deep blue, silvery grey textured or smoke textured paper, and tied up with a specialty woven leaf ribbon, or a feathered blue-violet or violet satin ribbon- ideal for a favorite hostess, a heartfelt small gift, or the nicest of little thank yous  for a sister, friend or a special aunt. 

Please order by January 24 to ensure delivery by February 1.

Find your perfect, ready-to-give look:  these are lovely heavy papers and quality ribbons. Mix and match among the color offerings in the photos, along with the green, variegated and dried looks of the reeds themselves. 

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. They are wrapped on A 6" X 5" card in your choice of paper and ribbon, with a gift enclosure describing their tradition. They measure about 7" across the diagonal. You WILL find these a bit smaller and more delicate than the ones made from reeds from Ireland, because my reeds are local to RI and never grow to the larger diameter of the Irish ones. Just keeping the tradition alive here in North America! 

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 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. In addition, I offer classes for small groups to teach the making of Brigid Crosses; feel free to contact me! 

    
"I absolutely love these crosses, the story behind them and the protection they bring to our home!... I plan on purchasing more to give as gifts for Christmas!'- Maui

"These crosses are beautifully made with obvious love and skill. The packaging is really lovely and were ready to give as gifts with no effort on my part. The seller responded to my question quickly and went above and beyond to fulfill my request. "- Meghan

"Laura was a pleasure to work with. I ordered these lovely crosses as gifts and they were absolutely BEAUTIFUL! I really appreciate all of the time and care that was put into making these beauties. The special gift packaging and card is just gorgeous. I have already returned again to purchase another Brigid cross as a gift! Thank you Laura!" - Melissa

Most materials used, including the fine quality papers, ribbons and packaging, have been obtained from a recycling center. I recycle much of my mailing materials too. The reeds, of course, I gather myself.

-Laura Travis
Warren, RI
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