Invocation to St. Bridget – A song of good fortune on the household
The 31st of January marks Oie’ll Vreeshey; the Eve of Saint Bridget’s feast day. In the past, it was believed that the saint would wander the Isle of Man that evening searching for a place to sleep.
A big candle was lit, spare bed made, and bread, cheese and ale were left out on the table with the door open all night. Next morning, if the food had gone and the bed had been slept in, then your household would benefit from good fortune.
“Invocation to St. Bridget,” a Gaelic song collected by Mona Douglas from Mrs Bridson of Glen Maye, denotes how revered this saint, known as ‘Breeshey’ in Manx, was in the Isle of Man.
These words were sung at the door before the household retired to bed...
Vreeshey, Vreeshey... Tar gys y thie aym noght... Oh, foshil-jee yn dorrys da Breeshey, As lhig da Breeshey cheet stiagh... tar oo gys y thie aym noght.
Breeshey, Breeshey... Come to my home tonight. ... Oh, open the door to Breeshey, And let Breeshey come in... Come to my home tonight.
Additional verses were recently composed by Greg Joughin and Julie Matthews from The Mollag Band, and you can join in with the song at their Oie’ll Vreeshey concert on the 31st January in Peel Masonic Hall. The song is available to learn on manxmusic.com, with recordings to enjoy by Emma Christian, Ruth Keggin and Isla Callister.
Patron saint of the parish of Bride, Bridget came to the Isle of Man to receive the veil from Saint Maughold and she founded The Nunnery in Douglas. She was its first Abbess, and it’s believed that she ended her days there, with her body later being transported to Ireland for burial besides Saint Patrick and Saint Columba.
“Chibbyr Vreeshey” or St. Bridget’s Well still remains on The Nunnery grounds, where it was said that an attendant had lived in fear of the fairies and their beautiful music heard at the well, after a terrifying encounter with them left her blind!
Saint Bridget’s Day, or Laa’l Breeshey, on the 1st of February marks the start of spring, and Victorian composer and folksong collector William H. Gill composed this song in her honour:
Welcome Bridget, to our dwelling! At one open door we stand; Filled with hope our hearts are swelling, Filled with flowers in every hand.
So, sing the invocation on the 31st January and ensure you make Breeshey feel welcome in your home, and you’ll be guaranteed to have good fortune for the year ahead!
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