Walking as Brigid on Paddy’s Day

WALKING as BRIGID

Dear Friends, This story was published in March of 2014 - Before Brigid received her National Day in Ireland - and on another day of celebrating St. Patrick, as we raise the name of Brigid back into the public consciousness and our hearts and prayers where She belongs, I re-post here.

This is a wonderful way for local municipalities, perhaps especially in the US, and big cities alike to introduce Brigid into a place of equality in the public sphere by giving her a place in the already popular parades leading, beside Patrick. It’s a cultural shift and a visual cue any one can cheer! And where She is already well known, we need not wait –

📸 2014 Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in Meriden, CT. Author, Shannon Michaela Doree Smith, as Brigid, (center) with her Mother Sally Ann Flynn Smith (left), both social members of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians and Saint Patrick (right).

On Saturday afternoon, I walked in the Meriden, CT St. Patrick’s Day Parade with the help of the Ladies’ Ancient Order of Hibernians, Irish organization, as Brigid.

It was the first time the Fire Goddess and Saint had been represented in the flesh in Meriden’s 41 year history of celebrating.  I was deeply honored to walk, leading the parade with St. Patrick, waving to the crowds gathered by the roadside.

Of course, it’s all quite dubious from the Goddess’ perspective – walking side by side with a Romano-Britishman who bears the title of Ireland’s most celebrated Saint who quite possibly is credited with the driving out of paganism (i.e. the snakes) in our beloved homeland.  (But I suppose we all have to start somewhere.)

📸 Saints Patrick and Brigid lead the Meriden, CT St. Patrick’s Day Parade, 2017

Most people weren’t aware of who I was, though one older woman bowed to me as I passed, a look of excitement and surprise upon her face.  I have total faith that as the years go on, who Brigid is, will become a household name in Meriden, restoring at least one community’s remembrance of who She is.  And the little girls who waved emphatically to me that day gave me great satisfaction that they will grow up having seen, and will continue to see a woman, in leadership at their day of festivities.

And with Brigid’s Day now firmly in place the new tradition continues on…

2026 Press Release -
Bring Brigid into your St. Patrick’s Day Festivities!

Thank you to the brilliant dancer Alyzabeth Rhiannon for adorning me with Bríd’s (and I do mean Bride’s) attire that first year along with Her traditional Green Cloak to allow Brigid to be expressed authentically as Goddess, Woman and Saint - a humble devotee of Bhride with a hint of modest Brigidine Sister!

📸 Photo (left) Post parade smiles with Saint Patrick, Meriden, CT, 50th Annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, March 22, 2025