Celtic Celebration for St. Brigid’s Day

Halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, St. Brigid’s Day is a celebration of early spring.

Christians have long marked the seasons and given thanks. In the Christian church, February 1 is observed as the feast day of St. Brigid of Kildare. St. Brigid is known for establishing a monastery in Ireland where an eternal flame was kept burning. The next day, February 2, is Candlemas, when traditionally the year’s supply of candles would be blessed. February 2 is also the feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple – the light that came into the world (John 1:9). Together, these feasts celebrate the coming of light after winter’s darkness.

We gather on St. Brigid’s Day (or a day close to it) in the evening for ritual, prayer, song, and thanksgiving as a way to mark the changing seasons and pay attention to nature, to God’s good creation. We begin with brief readings from Christian tradition and contemporary writers, followed by our spoken or silent reflections on the readings. After sharing God’s Peace, we celebrate the Great Thanksgiving or Eucharist. We complete the evening with light refreshments and fellowship.

St. David’s is an open and affirming community. You are welcome!

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