This lovely St. Brigid's Cross brooch comes to us from World Prayer Gifts in Askeaton, Co. Limerick, Ireland.  

• Dimensions: 1.5 x 1.5 inches

Throughout Ireland, the cross is associated with the arrival of springtime and with Ireland’s venerable Saint Brigid of Kildare. The cross is woven by hand of rushes harvested from the river Shannon. Traditionally the cross is found in many houses and shops throughout Ireland, mostly placed over entrance doors.

Today they have found new places within contemporary interiors, increasing the beauty of a room or traditionally acting as a timeless object of good fortune.

The making of Brigid's Cross:

• The making of St. Brigid’s Cross is an ancient Irish custom. The Cross is hand made from Irish rushes (Juncus Effusus) harvested from the River Shannon and was traditionally hung above entrances to dwellings to invoke good fortune and health. St. Brigid’s Day is celebrated on the 1st February which was also the feast of Imbolg in the old Celtic year which marked the beginning of Spring. This is the day the crosses were traditionally made.  They are still harvested from wetlands and cut to length.