Saint Brigid’s Cross Pendant Sterling Silver Small – S44402

Description

Saint Brigid’s Cross Pendant Sterling Silver Small

This beautiful sterling silver Saint Brigid’s Cross Pendant is a celebration of faith, as well as of Irish heritage and culture. This pendant is a smaller version of our Saint Brigid’s Cross Pendant and may be more suited to a child or young adult.

An 18″ Sterling Silver Rolo Chain is included along with a unique Sterling Silver  Pendant presentation box. Irish hallmarked in Dublin Castle.

History and Meaning of the Saint Brigid’s Cross

St.Brigid, also known as “Mary of the Gael” was the founder of the first Irish monastery in County Kildare, Ireland. Born in Dundalk in 450 AD, St Brigid is accredited with creating the unique cross which bears her name.

The tale as we know it is as follows….

There was an old pagan Chieftain who lay delirious on his deathbed in Kildare (some believe this was her father) and his servants summoned Brigid to his beside in the hope that the saintly woman may calm his restless spirit. Brigid is said to have sat by his bed, consoling and calming him and it is here that she picked up the rushes from the floor and began weaving them into the distinctive cross pattern. Whilst she weaved, she explained the meaning of the cross to the sick Chieftain and it is thought her calming words brought peace to his soul. He was so enamored by her words that the old Chieftain requested he be baptized as a Christian just before his passing.

Since that day, and for the centuries that followed, it has been customary on the eve of her Feast Day (1st February) for the Irish people to fashion a St. Brigid’s Cross of straw or rushes and place it inside the house over the door to keep evil, fire and hunger from the homes in which it is displayed.