Saint Brigid's Day or Imbolc
It is only a few weeks until Saint Brigid’s Day or Imbolc. Celebrated on February 1st, Saint Brigid’s Day traditionally marks the first day of spring.
Saint Brigid, also known as Brigid of Kildare was born in the 5th century in Ireland and holds a special place in Irish and Christian tradition. Imbolc, the ancient Celtic festival is believed to predate the Christianization of Ireland and is intertwined with the seasonal cycles of agriculture.
A new book from Four Courts Press “Two Lives of Saint Brigid” by Philip Freeman examines the two Latin Lives of Saint Brigid written a century or so after her death.
This book for the first time presents together an English translation of both the Life of Brigid by Cogitosus and the Vita Prima, along with the Latin text of both, carefully edited from the best medieval manuscripts. With an Introduction by Professor Freeman, this book makes these fascinating stories of St Brigid accessible to general readers, students and scholars. This book is being offered at a special reduction of 10% off until February 6 2024.
A more general insight into the life of Saint Brigid and the folklore surrounding her is available in “Brigid: Goddess, Druidess and Saint” by Brian Wright and “The Book of Brigid” by Colm Keane and Una O’Hagan.