I am very keen to participate in this shared-yet-solitary daily offering to Brigit as we move toward Imbolc. What a wonderful idea! We begin in less than an hour--8 PM Irish time, noon British Columbia time--but the devotion may be done any time during each twenty-four hour period. Whatever works best for you. I'll let Clann Dord Fiann explain.
FLAMEKEEPING/ BRIGIDMAS/ IMBOLG 2019
For 2019 Clann Dord Fiann are working each evening from the 12th of January to the 31st with a 20 day devotional work with and to Brigid. As part of the extension of our work to have a public face, we invite others to join this activity if they wish. It is solitary and requires no other involvement.
Each day at 8pm (Irish time) we light a candle to Brigid and speak or sing the text of Gabhaim molta Bríghde/ I Give Praise to Brigid, a traditional Irish song and poem. This time is ideal, but need not be followed if not fitting with your life. This may be done at any time each day. We will post daily reminders at 7 daily for the 20 days. For those who would like to work with the text as gaeilge, but who do not speak the language, Gaol Naofa has a phonetic version. http://www.gaolnaofa.org/library/music/gabhaim-molta-bride/ . For the first 19 days we light and extinguish the candle after speaking Gabhaim molta Bríghde and a period of reflection. On the 20th day, Brigids eve, reeds are gathered for crosses, and an effigy of Brigid is brought to the place of the candle, be it an image or a Brideóg. An accompanying verse may be desired of this arrival of Brigid. A historical example is:
Oiche Bhríde brichíneach
Bain an ceann den croiceanach,
Gabhaigí ar na glúnaí,
Déanaigí umhlú
Is ligigí isteach Bríd Bheannaithe.
‘Sé beatha, ‘sé beatha, sé beatha.
"On St Brigid’s night
Take the head off the rushes,
Go on your knees,
Make obeisance
And let St Brigid in.
You’re welcome, you’re welcome, your welcome."
The candle is lit in a safe container and allowed to burn out in the company of Brigid, for on the 20th day Brigid keeps the flame.
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Gabhaim molta Bríghde Text (Gaeilge/ English)
Gabhaim molta Bríghde, iníon í le hÉireann
Iníon le gach tír í, molaimís go léir í.
Lóchrann geal na Laighneach, soils’ ar feadh na tíre
Ceann ar óigheacht Éireann, ceann na mban
Tig an Geimhreadh dian dubh, gearra lena géire
Ach ar lá le Bríghde, gar dúinn Earrach Éireann.
Iníon le gach tír í, molaimís go léir í.
Gabhaim molta Bríghde, iníon í le hÉireann
I give praise to Brigid, daughter of Ireland
Daughter of all lands, let us praise her.
The bright torch of Leinster, shining across the country
The leader of Ireland’s youth, leader of women.
The house of Winter is dark, cutting with its sharpness
But on Brigid’s Day, Spring in Ireland draws near to us.
I give praise to Brigid, daughter of Ireland
Daughter of all lands, let us praise her.
