Traditionally Brídeog’s were made on or before St. Brigid’s Day from straw or sheaves of wheat or rushes. They might have cotton cloaks or dresses or plants like heather could be used to decorate them. The custom was to go from house to house in the area carrying the dolls, dancing and playing music, being gifted food or money for a feast for Brigid.

The Brídeog made at the National Botanic Gardens for Imbolc has was made from plant materials collected from the gardens including Miscanthus saacharfolia (sugar cane miscanthus), Quercus (oak), Betula (birch), Salix (willow), Cornus baileyi (Bailey Red-Twigged Dogwood), Viscum album (mistletoe) and a red ribbon for her brat Bhríde.

The small Brídeog’s that surround her were made with St. Brigid’s GNS, Glasnevin 3rd class who took part in workshops held at the gardens using materials from the gardens. The Brídeog’s were returned to the children after the weekend.

This project was made together with the Education Team at the National Botanic Gardens, Melissa O’Brien, Joseph Lynch and Mateuz Skoldowski.