Brigid's Hair-Scythe
Inspired by the Celtic Goddess Brigid. Goddess of spring, healing, and metal-smithing
A walk through the art:
On the top of the scythe blade a pair of linnets are perched on an oak branch. In Celtic tradition Linnets are seen as heralds of spring and good fortune. They, and other small song birds such as larks are often called "Brigid's birds" or "Bride's birds". The oak is the "King of Trees" and is a bridge between earth and the spiritual world. It symbolizes courage, wisdom, and truth.
Brigid's Cross (Cros Bhríde) is a traditional Irish symbol associated with Saint Brigid of Kildare. It is woven from straw or rushes, traditionally on February 1st to mark the beginning of Imbolc, or spring, and hung over doorways for protection against evil, hunger, and fire.
"Why is Brigid's Cross on a piece inspired by the Goddess Bridget?" you ask because they are two different beings.
I included it because Christian monks syncretized the pagan Brigid with their nun, St. Brigid, and transferred many of the Goddess Brigid's attributes, sites, and the February 1st feast day (Imbolc) onto the Christian saint. This was my artistic way of stealing a bit of our pagan identity back.
Down the handle is a repeating pattern of crescent moons, triquetra, and Dara Celtic knots. The crescent moon symbolizes the diving feminine. The triquetra depicts three interlaced arcs or vesica piscis shapes, forming a triangular figure. These three arcs represent the maiden, the mother, and the crone. The Dara Celtic knots are designed to look like the base of an oak tree. "Dara” translates to the Irish word “Doire,” meaning “Oak.” The complex circular knot is used to represent nature, inner strength, and preservation.
The choice of the scythe is a simple knot to Brigid's forging skills.
Materials: Zinc and steel blend, nickel and lead-free
Dimensions: 6.5 inches
Uses: while it is designed to be a hair-stick, hair-sword, or hair-dagger, it can also be used as an athame, altar decor, letter opener, bookmark, decor for a potted plant, a prop for an art doll, or tucked into a belt, thigh garter, or hat band. I'm sure there are even more ways to slay.
Brigid's Hair-Scythe
Inspired by the Celtic Goddess Brigid. Goddess of spring, healing, and metal-smithing
A walk through the art:
On the top of the scythe blade a pair of linnets are perched on an oak branch. In Celtic tradition Linnets are seen as heralds of spring and good fortune. They, and other small song birds such as larks are often called "Brigid's birds" or "Bride's birds". The oak is the "King of Trees" and is a bridge between earth and the spiritual world. It symbolizes courage, wisdom, and truth.
Brigid's Cross (Cros Bhríde) is a traditional Irish symbol associated with Saint Brigid of Kildare. It is woven from straw or rushes, traditionally on February 1st to mark the beginning of Imbolc, or spring, and hung over doorways for protection against evil, hunger, and fire.
"Why is Brigid's Cross on a piece inspired by the Goddess Bridget?" you ask because they are two different beings.
I included it because Christian monks syncretized the pagan Brigid with their nun, St. Brigid, and transferred many of the Goddess Brigid's attributes, sites, and the February 1st feast day (Imbolc) onto the Christian saint. This was my artistic way of stealing a bit of our pagan identity back.
Down the handle is a repeating pattern of crescent moons, triquetra, and Dara Celtic knots. The crescent moon symbolizes the diving feminine. The triquetra depicts three interlaced arcs or vesica piscis shapes, forming a triangular figure. These three arcs represent the maiden, the mother, and the crone. The Dara Celtic knots are designed to look like the base of an oak tree. "Dara” translates to the Irish word “Doire,” meaning “Oak.” The complex circular knot is used to represent nature, inner strength, and preservation.
The choice of the scythe is a simple knot to Brigid's forging skills.
Materials: Zinc and steel blend, nickel and lead-free
Dimensions: 6.5 inches
Uses: while it is designed to be a hair-stick, hair-sword, or hair-dagger, it can also be used as an athame, altar decor, letter opener, bookmark, decor for a potted plant, a prop for an art doll, or tucked into a belt, thigh garter, or hat band. I'm sure there are even more ways to slay.
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