St. Bridget bears the name of one of the most powerful goddesses of the pagan religion - Brigid, the goddess of fire whose manifestations were song and poetry. One of her many titles was Breo-saigit meaning ôfiery arrow. This title identified her with the first ray of sunshine which appears on the horizon at the Winter Solstice. In Ireland, when this ray is viewed from Usinech Hill, considered the umbilicus of Ireland, it passes over the spot where St. Brigid was said to have been born and later ordained.
St. Bridget supposedly became a virgin in service to the Goddess Brigid but in 468 A.D. she converted to Christianity. Legend has it she made a cross from the rushes she found on the ground beside a dying man (her father in some stories) in order to convert him.
The feast day of Saint Bridget is celebrated on February 1st, the day Bridget is said to have died, aged 70. This is traditionally seen as the first day of spring in Ireland.
This pendant is shown on a 2.1 mm Rope Chain. Chains and cords are sold separately, please see our collection of Chains & Cords to complement your pendant.
