The St. Brigid's cross is traditionally hung by the door and in the rafters of homes to protect the house from fire and evil. According to tradition, a new cross is made each St. Brigid's Day, and the old one is burned to protect the house from fire. It can also represent peace and goodwill, and it was even placed in cowsheds to safeguard animals and help cows to produce more milk.

St. Brigid, also known as “Mary of the Gael”, is an abbess and patroness of Ireland. She is furthermore the founder of the first Irish monastery in County Kildare, Ireland. Born in Dundalk in 450 AD, St. Brigid is accredited with first creating the unique cross which bears her name.  This cross is normally hand-made from rushes or straw, however, our ones are made from willow, so they will last a lifetime. 

Materials and care:

Each cross measures approx 24cm in diameter. As they are hand-made from home-grown willow and truly unique, the size will differ and the colour will change as it ages. Trish Killalea from Island Willow makes her crosses with a special weave on one side and finishes each arm of the cross with a Japanese knot.

Sustainability: 

Because willow grows so quickly, it is naturally sustainable. This natural sustainability is enhanced by willow's resistance to disease which means that it needs very few chemical treatments. Trish grows and harvests all of her own willow at her home in Co. Wexford

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