Concert: Bridget: Goddess & Saint

Brigid (Feb/Imbolc)

There is an entire section of this web site dedicated to this iconic figure in the Celtic imagination.  

http://www.minogue.com/brigid/ 

Originally a Goddess, representing the Celtic aspect of divine femininity, she was later canonized as a saint. 

The history of the saint is the stuff of mythology and it's hard to distinguish where the goddess ends and the saint begins, so intertwined are the two. 

A really nice show leading up to the ancient Celtic feast of Imbolc (February 1), which is also the feast day of Saint Bridget (one of the three patron saints of Ireland). No, Patrick is not the only one!

Áine has written music in honor of this fascinating woman, including 'Bridget's Feast.'  (Mysts of Time) 

The old hymn 'Gabhaim Molta Bride' is recorded on the album 'Circle of the Sun.'  

See 'note from Áine' (gold 'background' link above)

NOTE:  Has worked well as a Mother's Day theme. 

I've done this program for general audiences and been really surprised how well it is received. It never ceases to amaze me how much American audiences yearn to learn what's behind the music.

Bridget's story is a great one. When I was growing up in Ireland, her 'cross' (four equal sides representing the four directions), made from rushes, was hung in every Irish home.

This concert, which can also be weaved into a workshop, works well for the following:

* Groups interested in the Celtic Aspect of the Goddess and divine feminine

* Womens Studies groups

* Celebrations of women or the feminine e.g. Womens history month