They may not be traditional but they are fun! Whether you are planning a party or just for family, these cookies will be a big hit. For centuries, these symbols held incredible power for the ancient Celts in every way of life. These Irish-inspired cookies are shamrocks, Celtic crosses and the Claddagh. Ancient Celts revered the shamrock because of the trinity of its leaves. The Celtic cross is a symbol representing the meeting place of the Divine energies. The heart of the Claddagh represents love, the crown is symbolic of loyalty, and the hands represent friendship.
Today is the festival of St. Brigid, the beginning of the old Celtic season of Imbolc, or Imbolg (pronounced i-MOLK or i-MOLG ), also called (Saint) Brigid's Day, a Gaelic festival marking the beginning of spring. Christians, especially in Ireland, observe February 1 as the feast day of Saint Brigid (of Kildare), one of the patron saints of Ireland. St. Brigid's Blessing "Go down on your knees, do homage, and let blessed Brigid enter the house" May Brigid bless the house wherein you dwell. Bless every fireside, every wall and door. Bless every heart that beats beneath its roof. Bless every hand that toils to bring it joy. Bless every foot that walks its portals through. May Brigid bless the house that shelters you.
Brigid is also referred to as the "triple goddess of Smithcraft (with Celtic warriors invoking her protection before battle), Healing, and Poetry and the Arts. In folklore St. Brigid became the principal focus of the feast of Imbolc.
Imbolc - the coming of Spring - the great wheel of the year turns again on February 1st, with the ancient sacred day of the Celtic goddess Brigid - Mother Goddess of Ireland - also called Brigit, Bride, Brighid, and Brigantia. The root of her name means 'bright' or 'exalted', and possibly 'firebrand'." ~Hamish Burgess Celtic Artist
Reference to this holiday is found in some of the earliest Old Irish literature, from the 10th century. It was a festival of the hearth and home, and a celebration of the lengthening days and the early signs of spring. Celebrations often involved hearthfires, special foods, candles or a bonfire if the weather permitted. Fire and purification were an important part of the festival. The lighting of candles and fires represented the return of warmth and the increasing power of the Sun over the coming months.
St.Brigit's Cross
The wickerwork cross, known as St.Brigit's Cross, has been a popular talisman of St. Brigid since the 17th century and it is widely believed to be a Christian symbol. But its origins lie in much older traditions and folklore. It is thought to have origins in the ancient symbol for the sun. Many rituals are associated with the making of the crosses.It was traditionally believed that a Brigid's Cross protects the house from fire and evil. It is hung in many Irish kitchens for this purpose. The cross is usually woven out of rushes and sometimes straw. It
consists of a central square surrounded by four arms at right angles and
adorns the doors and rafters of Irish homes, usually in the kitchen,
warding off fire and evil. Traditionally, before being placed the crosses "would sometimes be blessed with holy water, a ritual with connotations simultaneously Christian and Pagan."
This video will show you how to make your own St. Brigit's Cross:
For a few hours each year, millions of Irish and non-Irish commemorate the life of a 1500-year-old saint in a boisterous display of parading and revelry, festooned in the shamrock and emerald green. There are over 34 million Irish Americans living in the U.S., making St. Patrick's Day one of the most widely celebrated holidays in America. The obvious ways to celebrate St. Patty’s Day in Kansas City is to start with breakfast at Brown's Irish Market, head over to the St. Patrick's Day Parade, followed by lunch and more at Kelly’s Westport Inn, located in the heart of Westport, or to an Irish Pub like O'Dowds Little Dublin.
