‘Elder knowledge’ imbues spirit of Saint Brigid

A new film has been created in celebration of the legend of St Brigid. The project involved older people from across Cavan and the North West, together with artist Marie Brett.

‘Brigid, Our Spirit Stirring’ is the culmination of an Age & Opportunity art project carried out in Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Mayo, Monaghan and Sligo.

The film, which explores the future views of Brigid and her transformative relationship to the Irish people, was developed in partnership with Age Friendly Ireland and funded by the Creative Ireland Programme.

Participants worked with Marie, a freelance visual artist from West Cork.

They produced hand-crafted artefacts such as Brigid-style crosses, protective God’s eyes, masks, hats and Brídeóga. These were brought together for a final pageant event held at the National Museum of Ireland, Country Life, in Mayo.

Participants then paraded their creations in a procession inspired by traditional ritual and holy pilgrimage, with ‘Brigid, Our Spirit Stirring’ filmed at the pageant event.

The film will be launched at the W8 Centre, Manorhamilton, Co Leitrim today, St Brigid’s Day, February 1, at 12 noon.

Creators and performers from the six counties who featured in the film will invited to attend, where they will once again create Brigid’s crosses and make Brídeóga dolls, this time with Helena Golden, the ‘Willow Woman’ from Leitrim.

Attendees will also step through the Brigid’s Girdle, while saying a personal prayer for protection during the year ahead.

Karen Horgan, CEO Age & Opportunity, described the project as “uniquely creative” way of developing the theme of Brigid, both as Goddess and Saint.

Marie Brett meanwhile said working with “so much elder knowledge” had been an “enriching” creative experience. “Together we combined pilgrimage tradition, Biddy Boys (which we’ve re-named Biddy-Girls) and Brídeóg custom, with thinking surrounding natural world learning, Celtic pathways, and elemental forces.

“‘Brigid, Our Spirit Stirring’ is a digital fusion of a contemporary live event that reimagines collective and cross-generational folk custom. I loved creating this work; the contributors created beautiful, evocative poems and gorgeous processional artefacts.”

The film, produced by Dublin film making company Arcade is available to watch on the Age & Opportunity YouTube channel.