We are pleased to participate in the A to Z Blog Challenge (http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/). The Story Crossroads theme for this year is “Fantastic Females in Folk & Fairy Tales.”
About Ireland and Saints:
Are you familiar with Saints? A well-known Saint from Ireland is named Brigid. This featured story, while it is an ancient Irish tale, is more a legend rather than a folk or fairy tale. However, there were some interesting parts of this story that felt like we could honor Brigid as a “Fantastic Female.” Brigid was born around 450 A.D. People tell many different stories and miracles about Brigid’s cloak. The Irish (and perhaps others!) celebrate Saint Brigid’s Feast Day on every February 1st.
50-word-or-less summary
Druid came to Christians. Declared baby Brigid to be new era of Ireland. Druid gave blue cloak. Brigid became shepherdess. While praying, Brigid was transported to Bethlehem, helped at inn, showed Joseph and Mary the stable, and gave cloak to Mary when cold. Ireland! Cloak covered in gold stars.
Finding the Story:
Book – Brigid’s Cloak by Bryce Milligan – here
Legend of St. Brigid’s Cloak (different than featured story) – here
The Story of St. Brigid’s Cloak (and has even more links at the bottom) – here
Finding the “Fantastic”:
When figuring out “Fantastic Females,” we did not limit ourselves to an age. Yes, this story featuring Brigid focuses on when she was born as well as a child. Yet, Brigid is not the only female within this story. When the Druid comes into the same room as three Christian women, none of the women shooed the Druid away. They had different beliefs, yet it appeared to be an open atmosphere where they could still be respectful. The Druid said that Brigid would welcome in a new era for Ireland.
Brigid, even as a child, seemed to be contemplative and peaceful. While plenty of children are hyper and energetic, we get to see a kind side of children that can be one to wonder about. To be in awe about.
No matter your beliefs, we can see that Brigid was quick to help or be aware of others’ needs. She swept the floors at the inn, guided Joseph and Mary to the stable, and gave of her cloak when seeing that Mary was cold. It makes sense that her then-tattered cloak would come back in such a majestic way as a symbolic way of saying, “Yes, treat others with kindness.”
We barely see Brigid’s mother in this story…but we are positive that she was also a “Fantastic Female.” Children learn from those around them: parents, siblings, friends, neighbors. Though mothers certainly have a lot of influence.
Recommended Article:
Let’s look at how we can encourage kids to be kind like Brigid. Check out this article entitled “Are you raising nice kids? A Harvard psychologist gives 5 ways to raise them to be kind” written by Amy Joyce.
Thoughts?
Please share thoughts in the comments. While you enjoy this blog, Story Crossroads has year-round offerings. See our popular links and upcoming events at our One-Stop.
As for our past A to Z Challenges…
Story Crossroads celebrates the hybrid Summit & Festival on May 13-16, 2024 – yes, in-person and virtual – and would be honored for you to join us. Explore the schedule and register here: http://www.storycrossroads.org/Festival
Thanks to funding from National Endowment for the Arts; National Endowment for the Humanities; Western States Arts Federation; Utah Division of Arts and Museums/Utah Legislature; Utah Humanities; City of Murray; Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP) of Salt Lake County; Salt Lake City Arts Council; and people like you.