Blessing the Rushes for Brigit's Cross

I ask for your blessing, Brigit, On the Eve of your day, Brigit the generous, Brigit the fair, May your blessing be upon me. I ask for your blessing on these rushes, Brigit beloved. On tip and root, On stalk and stem, On brown and green, On one and many. Moving rightways with the sun May they weave and bend, Bend and weave All goodness, All prosperity Into this home, into this home, Into our lives, into our lives. I ask for the blessing of the Three On these my rushes, I ask for the blessing of Brigit On these my rushes, I ask for the blessing of the Three On these my rushes. Hilaire Wood 1999

Traditionally the rushes were picked by hand, not cut, on 31st January, the night before St Brigit's Day. They were blessed and the crosses were made in a sunwise direction, from left to right. They were sometimes placed in the eaves of the roof, or in the cattle-byre or by the hearth to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year.

Click here for instructions on how to make Brigit's Crosses.

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