St. Brigid's Day

 

Lake of Beer
att. to St. Brigid

I'd like to give a lake of beer to God.
I'd love the heavenly
Host to be tippling there
For all eternity.

I'd love the men of Heaven to live with me,
To dance and sing.
If they wanted, I'd put at their disposal
Vats of suffering.

White cups of love I'd give them
With a heart and a half;
Sweet pitchers of mercy I'd offer
To every man.

I'd make Heaven a cheerful spot
Because the happy heart is true.
I'd make the men contented for their own sake.
I'd like Jesus to love me too.

I'd like the people of heaven to gather
From all the parishes around.
I'd give a special welcome to the women,
The three Marys of great renown.

I'd sit with the men, the women and God
There by the lake of beer.
We'd be drinking good health forever
And every drop would be a prayer.

Some versions include these words:

I should like a great lake of beer for the King of Kings.
I should like the angels of Heaven to be drinking it through time eternal.
I should like excellent meats of belief and pure piety.
I should like the men of Heaven at my house.
I should like barrels of peace at their disposal.
I should like for them cellars of mercy.
I should like cheerfulness to be their drinking.
I should like Jesus to be there among them.
I should like the three Marys of illustrious renown to be with us.
I should like the people of Heaven, the poor, to be gathered around from all parts

St. Brigid's Day, celebrated on February 1st, honors Ireland's patron saint, St. Brigid of Kildare, and marks the ancient Celtic festival of Imbolc, signifying the beginning of spring, new life, and fertility. Traditions include weaving Brigid's Crosses from rushes, hanging Brigid's ribbons (Brat Bhríde) to catch blessings, and leaving food out for the saint, blending pagan and Christian customs. In Ireland, it has been a public holiday since 2023, celebrating Irish culture and the shift from winter to spring.

 

Key Aspects of St. Brigid's Day

• Date:

  February 1st.
• Origins:

  Merges the Christian feast day of St. Brigid with the Celtic festival of Imbolc, a pagan celebration of spring, fire, and fertility.
• Significance:

  Marks the midpoint between the winter solstice and spring equinox, symbolizing the earth's awakening and the promise of warmer days.
Patronage:
St. Brigid is associated with healing, poetry, learning, blacksmithing, and livestock.

Traditions & Celebrations

Brigid's Crosses: Woven from rushes or straw and hung in homes for protection.
Brigid's Ribbons (Brat Bhríde): Ribbons or cloths left out overnight to be blessed by the saint and used for healing.
Biddy Boys/Brídeógs: Processions where figures (dolls or masked people) representing Brigid are carried door-to-door, often collecting money or treats.
Feasting & Blessings: Special meals, visits to holy wells, and church services.

Modern Observance

Since 2023, St. Brigid's Day has been an official public holiday in Ireland, promoting cultural revival.
Celebrations focus on fresh starts, new energy, and honoring Irish heritage.