A special cultural event to celebrate St. Brigid’s Day and the beginning of spring will be held in Letterkenny.
The event hosted by the Letterkenny Cathedral Quarter will be held in Dillon’s Hotel on Thursday, January 30, from 6.30pm-8.30pm.
It will include making St Brigid’s crosses and celebrating the many special traditions connected to Brigid of Ireland.
The Cathedral Quarter is welcoming everyone religious, non-religious, young and old to celebrate with them.
Participants will learn the traditional art of weaving St. Brigid’s Crosses, a custom deeply rooted in Irish heritage and celebrated as a symbol of protection and prosperity.
The event also marks the beginning of spring and honours old customs.
A spokesperson for the group said: “Legend tells us Brigid converted a dying Pagan. To explain the new faith to him, she improvised making a cross from rushes which was all that was available to her in the location.
“So in keeping with tradition, we’ll have rushes for you to make your traditional crosses. Whether it’s for yourself or a special gift to give to neighbours and friends, this long-standing tradition of hanging a St. Brigid’s cross above your door will extend a warm welcome to visitors and protecting their homes/buildings and families for the year ahead.
“We’ll also be celebrating the Brat Bríd-the custom of hanging a small piece of cloth (can be a ribbon, a piece of linen or cloth like a scarf or handkerchief) on a tree overnight and this is said to have healing powers in the morning.
“This is a very special time of year linking Imbolc the ancient Celtic festival marking the beginning of spring, Candlemas the ancient festival of light marking the midpoint of winter and St. Brigids day we hope you’ll come to get involved and if you would like to add to our evening with poetry, song or customs, we’d be delighted.”
“Our St. Brigid’s Cross-Making Event is more than a workshop; it’s a gathering of community spirit and cultural pride,” they added.
There will be entertainment from Sinead Gallagher aka The Singing Woman and Mark O’Sullivan on the evening.
Louise Ozbay will be there to lend a hand crafting the crosses, however they are looking for others to help out at the tables with the cross making on the evening.
If you would like to help out, please ring Donnan Harvey on 086 345 2457. This is a free event but all donations are kindly welcomed.
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