A Welcoming Ritual

A Welcoming Ritual

Candlemas

By Amber K & Azrael Arynn K



A little ritual is still used to welcome Brigit (and therefore spring) in many Celtic homes. A member of the family goes out to gather the rushes for making Brigit’s crosses. When they return, they cover their head and knock at the door. Someone opens the door, and the woman of the house (Bean an Tighe) greets the family member: “Welcome Bright” (Failte leat a Bhrid), to which the stand-in for Brigit replies “God bless the people of this house” (Beannacht De ar Daoine an tighe seo).



As part of this ceremony, you might add this translation of a Scottish Gaelic invocation:



May Brigit give blessing to the house that is here;

Brigit, the fair and tender…

Rich-tressed maiden of ringlets of gold.



Once “Brigit” has offered her blessing, the evening’s activities begin in earnest; the making of the Brigit’s crosses, games stories, divination and feasting.

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Thanks for sharing Tankgrrl. Be blessed.

This is beautiful. Thank you.