What is Lughnasadh?

Lughnasadh, the first of the 3 harvest festivals, is a day of celebration and thanks for the first harvest which was traditionally grain. Today, most of us lack the connection to the harvest and the earth that our ancestors held. We don’t directly depend on a harvest to survive and we take for granted the fresh produce and grains that are available to us at any given time. Produce ad grain that used to be seasonal is now available year round. Where life used to force us outdoors the majority of us are stuck working indoors day in and day out. We can use this day to remind ourselves of how blessed we are and how important the harvest was for our ancestors and thank our gods for it. 

A Brief History of Lughnasadh

 Lughnasadh, is one of the great seasonal festivals of the Celtic calendar. It is named for the Irish god of the harvest, Lugh. On this day people would celebrate by holding religious ceremonies, athletic competitions, feasting, baking bread from the days harvest, and trading. These customs continued into the 20th century. It has been recognized as an ancient celebration day celebrated on or around august 1. 

Over the centuries, Lughnasadh traditions such as climbing the hills and mountains were claimed as Christian traditions like so many other pagan traditions of days gone. Christians call this festival Lammas and a loaf of bread made from the days harvest is blessed. Sound familiar?

NOT INTO THE CELTIC PANTHEON? 

While this day may be named for Lugh, he is certainly not the only deity to convene with during this time. Research harvest or agricultural deities of your chosen pantheon or mix and match pantheons - do what works for you.

Some harvest deities to look into:

Lakshmi • Demeter • Freyr • Ceres • Osiris • Tammuz

PREFER TO KEEP RELIGION OUT OF YOUR WITCHCRAFT?

No problem. Ignore the “god” bits and just spend some time appreciating the earth and the way it provides for us. Enjoy the fruits of the season and reflect on the hard work people who work our fields do everyday to ensure that there is always fresh food at your local grocer. 

Consider the abundance in your own life. What is there to be thankful for? We don't always see what we have - instead we think about what we want. Really think about what is abundant in your life, perhaps it is love from your family or the fact that you always have food to eat and never have to go hungry. 

Perform magical workings in line with the season. 

Symbols of LUGHNASADH

Decorate your home with symbols of the day and seasonal colors

• Wheat, bread, corn, berries, and fruit are harvested at this time. 
• Bright colors like gold, yellow and orange that represent the harvest.
• Scythes, sickles, sheaves of grain, and other agriculture related items. 
• Sunflowers, ivy and marigold. 

Themes in magical workings

Drawing Prosperity • Abundance • Health • Release • Transformation

Make Lughnasadh your own

• Research what is harvested in late July and early august in your area. Decorate your altar with and cook those things. Visit local farms and pick fresh produce and flowers to decorate your home.

• If you know where your ancestors are from research the harvest cycle in that area. Look at traditional agricultural practices. What was life like? Could you survive that life now? Thank your ancestors for getting you this far. 

• Make corn or grain dollies. 

• Gather with friends or family outdoors. Cook a small (or large) feast and enjoy being out in nature. Eat fresh fruit and vegetables. Bake bread. 

• Start a home brew. 

• Bake bread. You don’t have to stick with a traditional loaf, experiment with fruit breads or grains other than wheat. Try a cornbread with fresh herbs and local cheeses. Pair it with a hearty vegetable soup and glass of local wine. 

How do you celebrate the beginning of the harvest season?