Two of the five days of the Catskills Irish Arts week, I will host a ‘drop in’ class to make traditional St. Brigid Crosses from soft rushes. Brigid’s crosses are associated with Brigid of Kildare, who is venerated as one of the patron saints of Ireland. The crosses are traditionally made on 1 February, Lá Fhéile Bhríde (St. Brigid’s feast day), the day of her liturgical celebration. This feast coincides with the more ancient one of her pagan namesake, one of Ireland’s most important Goddesses, Brigid, who is associated with fire, healing and holy wells; it celebrates the earliest stirrings of Spring, and is called Imbolc. It was traditionally believed that a Brigid’s Cross protects the house from fire and evil. It is hung in many Irish and Irish-American kitchens for this purpose. You’ll be able to make at least two Brigid Crosses, one to keep and one to give.

No previous experience is required, and anyone above age 12 may participate. Limit 8 students. Class session will be afternoon, about 1.5 hours.

Materials fee will be $2 for the crosses to cover supplies and other incidentals.