Lughnasadh - Celebrate the Ancient Celtic Festival in the Celtic Calendar
Lughnasadh / Lughnasa
Step into the world of the Celts, and explore the myths, traditions, and celebrations of their ancient culture.
Among the significant festivals in the Celtic calendar, Lughnasadh (also known as Lughnasa) stands out as a time-honored celebration with deep-rooted significance. In this blog, we will explore the essence of Lughnasadh, its relevance to the Celtic calendar, and how this age-old festival continues to resonate with modern times.
Understanding Lughnasadh in the Celtic Calendar
Lughnasadh is an Celtic Fest day, traditionally celebrated on August 1st but can be celebrated anytime between the last weekend of July to the first two weeks of August. This significant occasion is part of the four Celtic cross quarter days, which were the primary feast days of the Ancient Celts. The other three main feast day that hold importance are Samhain, Imbolc, and Bealtaine.
Lughnasadh marks the beginning of the harvest season in the Celtic calendar. Lughnasadh is halfway between the autumn equinox and the summer solstice. This sacred festival is dedicated to the Celtic sun god Lugh, a deity of light, craftsmanship, and skill and Lugh’s assembly which was a gathering festival to honour his foster mother Tailtiu also known as the harvest goddess. It is believed that Tailtiu died of exhaustion overworked as she prepared the land for crop and farming. She rests in Teltown, Co Meath where Lugh built a mound for her. Many come to visit around the time of Lughnasadh.
As the sun reaches its zenith, the Celts believed that Lugh empowered the earth with his energy, ensuring a bountiful harvest for the coming months. This was a time of celebration and gratitude to the land for a successful harvest which would feed their people during the difficult winter months. Some people refer to this time as Lammas meaning half-mass or loaf-mass, a term used from the anglo saxon christian church celebrating the harvest of the first grain which made the bread.
Now in our modern times of the 20th century we are not worried of scarcity of food that our ancestors indured. We honour this time of year and celebrate with festivities, gatherings with feasts, games and pilgrimages around Ireland.
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The Significance of Lughnasadh
Celebrating the Harvest: Lughnasadh revolves around the celebration of the first fruits and grains of the season. It is a time for expressing gratitude for nature's abundance and the nurturing spirit of the land.
Embracing Change and Sacrifice: As a festival marking the transition from summer to autumn, Lughnasadh reminds us of the cyclical nature of life. It encourages reflection on the importance of sacrifice to nurture future growth and prosperity.
Lughnasadh Rituals and Traditions
Gathering at Sacred Sites/Pilgrimage: In ancient times, the Celts would gather at prominent and sacred hilltops or sacred sites to pay homage to Lugh and engage in communal rituals and feasts. Locations then and now include; Croagh Patrick in County Mayo, Church Mountain in County Wicklow, Mount Brandon in County Kerry, and slieve Donard in County Down.
Games and Competitions: Like Lugh's mythical games, modern celebrations often include friendly competitions, music, dance, and storytelling.
Celebrating Lughnasadh with us in County Clare, Ireland
Every year on August 1st, a cherished tradition takes place at Slieve Carran in the Burren National Park. The journey begins by ascending the beautiful rocky trail up the mountain, a path once frequented by young berry pickers, who reveled in love once they reached the summit. At the top, a grand cairn stands proudly, offering breathtaking views of Turlough Hill and the surrounding landscapes. Additionally, hidden within the mountain, one can stumble upon the mystical St. Colman's cave, adding a touch of enchantment to the experience.
If luck is on your side, patches of vibrant shamrock may grace your path, alongside the delightful sight of wild goats, gracefully navigating the land. As the journey continues, visitors are drawn to the serene lakes below, offering a soothing retreat for those looking to enjoy a refreshing dip or simply bask in the tranquility of nature.
An extra special aspect of this occasion is the art of crafting flower crowns using the abundant wildflowers that grace the season. This enjoyable activity brings friends together as they create and wear these lovely adornments, adding an extra dash of festivity to the day.
By preserving the spirit of this cherished tradition and celebrating the natural wonders of Slieve Carran, August 1st becomes a day filled with joy, connection, and a deep appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us.
Flower crown by Alice Halliday and Folk Wedding Dress modelled by Courtney Fox
Many communities now embrace the festival Lughnasadh as a cultural heritage event.
This ancient Celtic festival, remains a vibrant testament to the deep connection between the Celts and the land they inhabited. As we celebrate this harvest festival, we embrace its profound teachings and the timeless wisdom it imparts - the importance of unity, gratitude for nature's bounty, and the inevitability of change.
By commemorating Lughnasadh, we honor our ancestors and keep alive the spirit of this ancient Celtic celebration. Let us come together as a community to rejoice in the abundance of the harvest and foster a deeper connection with the world around us.
So, mark your calendars and join in the festivities of Lughnasadh, as we step into the Celtic world!
