Brigid’s Cross

On a weekend morning in probably around 2018, my mom and I were looking at all of her jewelry. It’s an activity we do often, glittery earrings and a gorgeous daisy clasp pendant with white beads were my favorite of hers to wear. She mentioned she had other necklaces she wanted to show me. In her closet, on a hook, was a long necklace and a simple plus sign-looking shape on a chain. Silver and cold, delicate in my hands as I observed it. I remember feeling the grooves beneath it, reminding me of miscellaneous woven baskets around our home. My mom told me, “It’s the cross of Saint Brigid.”  I researched it more and realized that Saint Brigid’s holiday is on my birthday, February 1st, and my mom named me after her, but I later changed my name. Celebrated as a holiday since around 650 CE, it is celebrated primarily by the Irish since she is one of the three patron saints for them. It’s celebrated with a feast and the weaving of her cross. Her cross came from redeeming a Pagan moments before death, baptizing them with the cross made from straw. It’s meant to ward off evil, fire, and represents welcoming the spring. She’s said to be related to a Celtic goddess, while I don’t believe in almost anything religion tells me, I can say I love what she stands for. Known for her compassion and care for people and animals alike, she is adored in Ireland. Seen as one of the most influential female missionaries and leaders, she’s inspirational and reminds me of my mother and grandmother.

– CC

Relationship:  Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more