Brigid’s Cross on a Budget: How to Make One with Materials You Already Have

Do you want to make a Brigid’s Cross to celebrate Imbolc, but don’t have the resources? Don’t worry! Brigid’s Crosses are easy to make with materials already around your home. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to make a Brigid’s Cross on a budget, with materials you can find right in your own home. From straws and string to craft supplies, we’ll show you exactly what you need to make your own Brigid’s Cross.

Brigid’s crosses traditionally made from rushes

Traditional crosses, associated with the Irish goddess Brigid and her festival of Imbolc, are usually woven from rushes gathered from lakes or rivers. The custom has its origins in pagan practice, and offers protection from the winter’s chill, and symbolizes the coming of spring.

Making Brigid’s cross is an important part of celebrating Imbolc, and in some areas of Ireland, they are made every year with freshly cut rushes. Making a cross out of rushes is often seen as a sign of respect for Brigid, and can also be used as a prayer tool.
The traditional shape of Brigid’s cross is made up of four pieces of rush bound together at each corner to form a square or rectangle. It can also take other forms, such as a triangle or a circle.

The practice of making Brigid’s cross is very old, with many variations on design. The design can be plain or more intricate, and the type of material used can vary. In some parts of Ireland, for example, people will make their crosses from straw instead of rushes. If you don’t have rushes, you can use straw, grass, or even recycled paper.

• Straw – Straws is a great alternative to rushes. If you have some straw, simply bend the straw in half and cross them over each other to form a cross shape. Secure them together with a small piece of string or wire, if the straw will not hold itself.
• Grass – If you have access to some grass, this is also a good substitute for rushes. You can make a cross out of dried grass by twisting two pieces into crosses, then weaving them together. Secure the ends together with a piece of string or wire.
• Recycled Paper – You can also use recycled paper to make Brigid’s cross. Cut two strips of paper that are the same length and width, then fold them in half and cross them over each other. Secure them together with a piece of string or wire.

The most important part of making a Brigid’s cross is the symbolism

The Brigid’s cross is a symbol of hope and protection. Its purpose is to protect those who hang it in their homes from disease, accidents, and negative energies. The cross also represents the rebirth of the sun as we transition from winter to spring.
For this reason, it’s important to approach Brigid’s cross-making with a sense of meaning and symbolism. Whatever materials you use, take a moment to contemplate the symbolism of Brigid’s cross and its protective power.

Making the cross is an act of prayer and devotion, so ensure you instill purpose and intention. Visualize yourself surrounded by protection and blessings while creating the cross. As you finish making your Brigid’s cross, offer a prayer of thanks to Brigid for her protection and guidance.

Once you’ve made your Brigid’s cross, hang it somewhere visible in your home to bring about a sense of protection and peace

Here are some instructions for how to make a Brigid’s cross from straws

1. Gather a bundle of straws. Choose straws of various lengths, but all should be the same width and diameter.
2. Cut each straw into three equal pieces with a sharp knife.
3. Place two pieces in an ‘X’ shape and tie them together at the center with a piece of string.
4. Now take the third piece of straw and tie it around the center of the ‘X’ shape, again using the same piece of string.
5. Tie each end of the third piece to the other two pieces at the center of the cross. Ensure the pieces are tightly boun.
6. If desired, you can add decorations such as ribbons or beads around the edges of the cross.
7. Finally, hang up your Brigid’s cross in a place of honor, and take time to reflect on the power of its symbolism.