Dear Bonnie,

Nice to speak to you again! We last met at Dorking (Chanticleer) Folk Club when I used to organise it in the late '80s - beginning of the '90s!

Yes...it is to do with abstainance from work. It was always, at least in the past, considered a somewhat special day and special meals were usually prepared. Butter ot buttermilk was particularly featured and bread and butter were often put out or on the windowsill to make St Brigit welcome as it was popularly believed that she would travel the countryside blessing the people and livestock. Also young would often dress up and travel from house to house on St Brigit's day eve entertaining and carrying the "Brideog" which was a straw doll representing the Saint.

Peace

moo