Laois craft group revives pagan goddess Brigid's scarf tradition

In perfect timing ahead of the very first St Brigid's Day bank holiday in Ireland, a Laois group has revived an ancient craft tradition going back to pre Christian times.

Portarlington Brat Bhride is part of the multi disciplinary award winning Port Art Collective artists group.

The group stitches celtic symbols, spirals and swirls to upcycle scarves into what they believe are powerful positive healing charms honouring the goddess.

The first Bank Holiday for St Brigid will be on the first Monday of the month, February 6, but Brigid's day for both the pagan and Christian saint, is February 1.

A Brat Bhride is a scarf or shawl that was traditionally laid or hung outside before sunset on the eve of Brigid’s Feast
Day or Imbolc, the Celtic festival heralding the start of spring which is on February 1.

The Brat was brought back in before sunrise having being blessed with healing powers by Brigid, ancient Spring Goddess and Saint.

It was believed that dew which fell that night imbued the cloth with powers of healing and protection which lasted throughout the year. In the days before chemist shops, the cloth was wrapped around sick people or animals to heal them, or used during childbirth. Brigid was especially known as being the patron of healers and midwives.

The Portarlington Brat Bhride group formed in February 2022, and meet weekly to work on their scarves, using embroidery hoops and large eyed needles. 

They were funded to get going by Portarlington Green Hub,  also supported last year by Creative Ireland and Offaly County Council to do community and festival workshops.

It is spearheaded by Rita O'Loughlin (below).

"Over the months we have been collecting/donated scarves and shawls from charity shops/community. We always have plenty of scarves for everyone to get involved in and maybe take home their own creation. We keep our designs simple, with a spiral or Celtic triple spiral. The Triple Spiral is said to be an important spiritual marking.

"Many older members of our community are very aware of this almost forgotten tradition in today’s Ireland, recalling her healing and protective shawl with fond childhood memories.

"We believe strongly in the sense of community and involvement in a shared interest is of invaluable strength and support to many who live alone, or simply find themselves alone," Rita told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

"We meet and chat weekly and all that positivity goes into the stitches. We are a small group of women but in the community we teach it to boys and girls in the local schools and in the Rehab centre. It is a great focus for kids, they love working on them.

"We held classes at the Forest Fest in Emo, at Electric Picnic in the Global Green Area and recently at Festival Mná Moate in aid of SOSAD," Rita said.

She has gifted her crafted scarves to celebrities including Graham Norton, Maria Doyle Kennedy and Liam Ó Maonlaí.

Below: Rita with Graham Norton.

"We welcome all ages and levels of involvement. We reuse old scarves and found materials, promoting sustainability in recycling of materials with everyone who joined us. We provide plenty of embroidery hoops, salvaged scarves, natural wool and copious amounts of fun and joy to all who sit to sew with us," she said.

This January 31, they will gather for a very special outdoor celebration of St Brigid, in woodlands beside the River Barrow in Portarlington.

Under the protection of a circus tent, there will be shamanic healing, storytelling around a campfire, a cacao ceremony and soundbaths. 

Attendees can decorate their scarves then hang them up and sleep around the fire, collecting them as dawn breaks on February 1. 

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All ages are welcomed but numbers are limited so contact the group on social media before arriving, or to get guidance on holding your own Brat Bhride celebration.

Rita hopes the tradition will grow again across Ireland.

"The aim is to promote a revival of the Brat Bhride tradition across Ireland, embracing togetherness, celebrating communities and cherishing our heritage by involving the wisdom of older members of society," she said.

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"We could simply make healing Brat Bhrides ourselves and provide them to people who feel vulnerable, but we will teach everyone who participates the huge sense of achievement and happiness felt when you create a Brat Bhride for someone as a gift. Our Motto is that every simple stitch is a beautiful intention."

Port Art Collective was awarded best Community Group at the Laois Community and Voluntary Awards 2022.