Saint Brigid, second only to St Patrick as the patron saint of Ireland, is also commonly known as Saint Bride or Bridget. It is a traditional Irish story, that while teaching a dying old man about Christianity, St. Brigid made a cross from rushes in order to explain the crucifixion and the message of salvation. This was the first St Brigids Cross. St Brigid Crosses were hung in stables and houses to bring protection to the family and animals.