The cross of St Brigid is traditionally made from rushes on February 1st to welcome in the Spring. Said to ward off evil, fire and hunger; the St. Brigid's Cross is an old Irish symbol of protection. 

St. Brigid, also known as “Mary of the Gael”, is one of the three patron saints of Ireland. Born in Dundalk in 450 AD, she was the founder of the first Irish monasteryand is accredited with first creating the unique cross which bears her name.