[From Manx Soc vol 16, 1869]

SAINT BRIDGET'S DAY-" LAÁL BREESHEY."

It was customary to keep this festival on the eve of the first of February, in honour of the Irish lady who came over to the Isle of Man to receive the veil from St. Maughold. The custom was to gather a bundle of green rashes, and, standing with them in the hand on the threshold of the door, to invite St. Bridget to come and lodge with them that night, saying-,

"Brede, Brede, tar gys my thie, tar dyn thie ayms noght.
Foshil jee yn dorrys da Brede, as lhig da Brede e beet staigh."
" Bridget, Bridget, come to my house, come to my house to-night.
Open the door for Bridget, and let Bridget come in."

After these words were repeated, the rushes were strewn on the floor by way of a carpet or bed for St. Bridget. According to Manx tradition the nunnery near Douglas was founded by St. Bridget, who was born in 453, and was also buried there, her body being afterwards translated to Downpatrick, and placed beside the remains of St. Patrick and St. Columba. It is also affirmed by some that her remains are at Rome, so that it appears doubtful where to find the relies of the virgin of Kildare.