In conversation with Rita O’ Loughlin about Brigid’s Cloak

Rita explains what My Brat Bhride is all about

Portarlington’s Rita O’ Loughlin explains about the legacy of St. Brigid, her healing powers and the properties of Brigid’s Cloak. She tells how her group My Brat Bhride recycles preloved scarves and holds workshops to teach how to embroider them.

Listen below for our interview with Rita about My Brat Bhride when we met up at the Lovestock Festival. Across all Laois People & Mainland Radio channels.

“The Brat Bhride or Brigid’s Cloak was laid outside before sunset on the eve of Brigid’s Feast Day, 1st February, and brought back in before sunrise. Blessed by Brigid, ancient Spring Goddess and Saint, the dew which fell that night imbued the cloth with powers of healing and protection which lasted throughout the year. It would be kept in a special place in the house and brought out as needed when illness occurred by wrapped around the head to cure a headache or used by midwives to help women in childbirth, for Brigid was especially known as being the patron of healers and midwives. It was used on sick animals also, especially cows and sheep for which Brigid had a special affinity.”

Credit: Creative Ireland Laois