St. Brigid was born in 458. She first made this cross while nursing a dying Irish chieftain. Legend tells us that she gathered rushes from the floor and weaved them into a cross. The chieftain asked her what it meant. Brigid explained its symbolism. Before he died, the chieftain experienced a conversion of heart. From that day until now (over 1500 years) generations in Ireland have made the cross of St. Brigid on February 1st, her feast Day

Another story told about St. Brigid is of her encounter with a poor man, He came to the home of St. Brigid seeking alms. To the poor man's surprise she gave him her father's most treasured possession--his sword, saying, take it and exchange it for food and clothing for your family.