4. Rushes

Flooded rushes by the lochán today

The humble rush says a lot about the Brigit tradition.

Green clumps of rushes are a sign of poor, damp land and are disliked by farmers, yet the rush is central to an ancient and sacred tradition - making Brigit's crosses. Simple plants are transformed, with intention, into meaningful objects.

No silver or gold or precious jewels in these crosses, just the products of nature woven by groups of family or friends around the fire and hung in the home for good luck and blessings.

My bunch of fresh-picked rushes

The relationship between people and the land is at the heart of the Brigit tradition - and of the Celtic calendar, which celebrates the seasons of the agricultural year. The Brigit's cross is an ancient symbol for the sun, and Brigit's Day on 1st February heralds the growing strength of daylight and the first animals coming into milk.

However many crosses I make, the simple ritual of picking the rushes and weaving them together always brings with it a precious sense of connection to the land.

The finished cross