6 Ways to Celebrate St. Brigid and Finally Give Her the Recognition She Deserves

While it doesn’t have the same global recognition as St Patrick’s Day, as our only female patron saint, it’s important that we know the story of St. Brigid, and practice the traditions associated with her legend, just as we do every March 17th.

Whether you’re crafting, gathering, or reflecting, these traditions offer a meaningful way to connect with Irish heritage and welcome the light of a new season. Here are six simple yet heartfelt ways to honour St. Brigid this year.

1. St. Brigid’s Day Cross

The image most synonymous with St. Brigid’s Day is the handwoven cross. Traditionally made from rushes, a type of bog plant, you can also get creative and make yours with whatever materials you have to hand.

The cross is a powerful symbol of protection and blessings. People traditionally hang their crosses above their front doors to ward off malevolent spirits and diseases. It’s

also a wonderful reminder that spring is just around the corner, bringing light and renewal after the winter months.

2. Communal Gatherings

While St. Patrick’s Day has become a global celebration, St. Brigid’s Day is still growing in recognition as a festival of equal cultural and spiritual importance.

Why not take the opportunity to gather with friends and family to rejoice in the life and legacy of St. Brigid? You could host a small dinner, craft session, or storytelling evening. If nothing else, it’s a good way of showing gratitude for that extra day off work.

For more about St. Brigid’s incredible legacy, check out our other post on the myths and legends surrounding her.

3. Lighting Candles and Fires

One of St. Brigid’s strongest associations is with fire. In her pre-Christian iteration as the goddess Brigid, fire symbolised fertility, creativity, and the return of light during Imbolc, the Celtic festival marking the start of spring.

In Christian tradition, fire remains a prominent theme in St. Brigid’s story, from the eternal flame kept at her monastery in Kildare to the light she brought to her followers. Lighting a fire, if you have one, or simply lighting some candles on February 1st is a fitting way to honour her legacy of warmth, illumination, and renewal.

4. Brigid’s Bed

To start your St. Brigid’s Day celebrations early, consider making a “Brigid’s Bed” on January 31st, the evening before her feast day. This tradition is meant to invite Brigid into your home and welcome her blessings for the year ahead.

First, create a Brídeóg, a doll representing Brigid, traditionally made from rushes or straw and dressed in fabric to resemble clothes. Next, make a bed using a basket, box, or even a shoebox lined with something soft. Place your doll in the bed and tuck her in near the hearth, or another part of the home that you consider its heart.

You can decorate the bed as creatively as you wish. With any luck, Brigid will stop by to bless your house during the night.

5. Events and Exhibitions

This year marks only the third St. Brigid’s Day as an official public holiday in Ireland, making it an exciting time to celebrate. At EPIC, ticket holders can enjoy special storytelling sessions and cross-making tutorials across the bank holiday weekend, February 1st–3rd, at no extra cost.

If you’re not in Dublin, there are plenty of events happening around the country, from the ‘Beauty of Brigid’ exhibition to a music and arts festival in Kilkenny City. These events are great opportunities to celebrate what St. Brigid’s Day is all about.

6. Brigid’s Ribbons

Another beautiful tradition to prepare for St. Brigid’s Day is the creation of Brigid’s Ribbon. On January 31st, hang or tie a ribbon outside your home—on a windowsill, tree, bush, or even a plant pot.

The ribbon is believed to absorb Brigid’s blessings as she passes by. Typically, people use a white ribbon, scarf, or sash, symbolising purity and renewal, though any fabric can work, and we encourage you to get creative.

Once blessed, the ribbon is kept as a talisman of sorts for healing and protection. It’s often used to soothe aches, protect loved ones, or even bless livestock, continuing the tradition of Brigid’s nurturing presence in everyday life.