The female patron saint of Ireland, St. Brigid is honored on February 1 each year. Historically, the feast predates Christianity, when in the Celtic calendar the 'quarter days' were celebrated. This time of year marked the beginning of the return to more light, and, with it, greater hope. Halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, the ancient festival of Imbolc (later the feast of St. Brigid) was celebrated.
Intrigued? Click on the following gallery to learn more about the ancient origins of this saint's feast day.