Brigid Traditions

The Biddy Boys on Brigid's Eve

A favorite element of this fire festival was the "biddy boys," young men dressed in disguise going door to door. Performing and passing the hat or accepting food was a tradition that has continued in parts of Ireland well into the twentieth century. This usually occurred on the Eve of the festival "Oiche Fhéile Bhríde" (the eve of St.Bridgit's Day). The leader of the group was often a girl dressed as the saint and carrying a 'brideog' (little Bridgit) or "biddy," (Brigid doll), usually home made and carried in a basket.

Taking care of the Poor on Brigid's Eve

We see many Christmas-like customs cropping up around this feast. The more well-to-do farmers tended to donate butter and other supplies to the poorer households since it was considered poor form for any house to be without a full table on the feast of this saint. Since Brigid was patroness of domestic animals, the fruits of these animals in the form of milk and butter were most likely to appear at the table on her feast.

Setting an Extra Place at Table on Brigid's Eve

Much as on Christmas Eve, an extra place might be set at the table in her honor. Those foods that might sustain her as she made her journey across the countryside were often left on the windowsill for her in hopes that she might bless them.

Leaving Out Food for Brigid's Blessing

On February 1st, these foods were taken back indoors and given to those thought to be most in need of them. They usually went to the sick, since they were thought to have curative powers, or to those less well off in the community.

Leaving Out Cloth for Brigid's Blessing & Protection

Instead of food, a piece of cloth was often left outside, again in hopes that Brigid would bless it. The cloth would later be sewn into the clothing of children, particularly the girls, in order to protect them from ill health and all harm. From time to time, several pieces of cloth would be sewn together, perhaps collected over the years - such a "Brigid's mantle" would be considered beneficial to women having trouble around issues of fertility.