St. Bridget (or Brigid, or Bride) is the female patron saint of Ireland. Her feast day, February 1, was traditionally the first day of spring in rural Ireland because it marked the start of the agricultural season. It was customary on the eve of the saint’s day for the oldest daughter of the family to bring a bundle of rushes to the door. Playing the role of St. Bridget, she would distribute the rushes among the family members, who would make crosses from them and, after the crosses were sprinkled with holy water, hang them throughout the house. Discuss