Brigid custom of 'Brat Bríde' to be revived in Kilcullen

Image: Duchas.ie.

A reminder that a revival of a St Brigid custom which has all but died out in this area will be undertaken today, Friday morning, when 'Brat Bríde' pieces of cloth will be distributed in Kilcullen, writes Brian Byrne.

The initiative is from Julie O'Donoghue and Mary Orford, who will give out the cloths outside Eurospar and Nolans. It recalls the ancient practice of leaving pieces of cloth on a window sill or a hedge in the garden on the eve of Brigid's Day, which were subsequently reputed to have the power to help people with small sicknesses like headaches and sore throat, and even help with childbirth. 

The 'brats' represent St Brigid's cloak, which in one story was magically able to cover the plains of Kildare when she was promised land by a king she had cured of an ailment, but only as much as her cloak would cover.

The custom is based on a belief that Brigid would bless the cloths left out as she passed by through the night of 31 January.

The brats were also reputed to protect animals owned by the families from illness.

Mary and Julie will be on the street from 10am, and will stay untill all the Brat is gone.

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