The first day of February marks the beginning of spring for many and is also St Brigid's Day.

St Brigid is Ireland's only female patron saint and was known for her creativity, crafts, poetry and advocacy for the poor.

St Brigid also represents hope and fertility.

Leitrim suckler farmer and Irish Farmers Journal columnist Karen McCabe demonstrates how to make a St Brigid's Day cross.

Watch: how to make a St Brigid's Day cross

Traditions for St Brigid's Day

Across Ireland, there are many traditions associated with St Brigid's Day.

Karen takes part in one of the traditions with her family.

Karen McCabe

"We actually have one tradition of leaving a scarf or cloth outside overnight and it is said St Brigid's blesses it as she passes.

"The cloth or scarf is then wrapped around a person's neck if they have a sore throat during the year."