Feb. 1, the first day of spring in Ireland, was known as St. Brighid's Day in honor of the patron saint of cattle and dairy work. To welcome her, families placed either a slice of cake or buttered bread on the windowsill and constructed crosses, usually made out of straw, which were hung in the house, the barn and stable for protection from fire, lightning, storms and illness.

The tradition of St. Brigid's (Americanized spelling) Day will be carried on at the Museum of American Frontier Culture in Staunton, Va., on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission is $5 for adults, $4.50 for seniors, $2.50 for ages 6 to 12. The museum is approximately one mile from Exit 222 of Interstate 81 on U.S. Route 250 West. Call (703) 332-7850.