To celebrate the feast of St. Brigid, Letterkenny’s Cathedral Quarter will host a special evening of cross-making and traditional poems, songs and customs.
Taking place from 6 – 8pm on Tuesday, 31st January in the unit next to Wholegreen Foods, the event is open to people of all ages, both religious and non-religious.
In addition to making traditional St. Brigid crosses, members of the public will also be invited to celebrate the Brat Bríd custom; the custom of hanging a small piece of cloth on a tree overnight.
According to old folklore, the Brat Bríd is said to have healing powers and once collected the morning after, the cloth is torn into small pieces which are then distributed among the children and females of the home. It is said that the Brat Bríd gives protection to the owner throughout the year.
Inviting people of all ages to attend the event, Amanda Clarke, Cathedral Quarter committee member, said: “For generations, people have come together on St. Bridget’s Eve to make crosses and listen to old stories and we’re delighted to be continuing that tradition in the beautiful setting of the Cathedral Quarter. There will be plenty of people here to help you make a cross and we’ll be serving traditional snacks on the lane.
“It really is open to anyone who would like to come along and get involved and we’d be delighted if anyone would like to participate in reading a poem or playing or singing a song.”
For more information on the St. Brigid’s Cross Making Evening at the Cathedral Quarter please visit the Church Lane – Cathedral Quarter Facebook page or contact Amanda Clarke on 086 344 3416.
