Catholic Traditions in the Garden celebrates the riches of Catholic tradition with many "how to" projects that reflect God's good earth and its gifts.  Try the following sample project!

Gardening Customs from Around the World

There are hundreds of Catholic customs worldwide that in some way involve gardens, harvests, flowers, and other gifts from nature. From the golden rose of the Pope to the humble shamrock worn by Irishmen everywhere on St. Patrick's day, the plant kingdom has enriched Catholic life through the centuries. Catholic Traditions in the Garden discusses many of these customs and contains multiple ideas for today's Catholic gardener.

Here are the history and the directions for making a traditional cross from Ireland.

St. Brigid's Cross

In rural Ireland, a couple just taking possession of a farm or homestead would nail a St. Brigid's cross under the barn eaves. The cross is made from rushes, straw or wood. In some areas, it is placed in dwellings and on farm buildings on the eve of the feast of St. Brigid, February 1. The legend of the cross is that Brigid, renowned for her charity, once acted as nurse to a pagan chieftain. While he slept, she made a cross with some rushes from the floor. On waking, the chieftain asked why she formed the cross. Our saint told him the story of Calvary. He was deeply impressed and his subsequent conversion and return to health were attributed to her prayers.

Weave St. Brigid's Cross

You will need: 16 pieces of straw or other weaving material, each 8" long. Thread to tie off the ends.

Although the crosog Brigde (St. Brigid's Cross) is usually made from rushes or straw in Ireland, you can easily weave one of the decorative crosses from many materials. Any limber material such as a vine or long grass will do. If you have access to stalks of wheat, the cross takes on an even deeper dimension if you leave the head of grain which, when woven, will form the ends of the cross's arms. Formed from chenille pipe cleaners, the crosses make an attractive Christmas tree ornament for little hands to craft.

Fold the first two pieces in half, slipping 1 side of 1 piece through the fold of the other. Fold a third piece in half over the second piece. (See the diagram) Continue adding folded pieces, lapping each piece over the one you just placed previously. When all 16 pieces have been placed, take the loose ends of the last piece and tuck them under the piece they face. Pinch the loose ends of each arm of the cross together and tie tightly with twine. Clip the loose ends as close as possible to the tie.

(Diagram)