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In the Wheel of the Year August 1st is the sabbat holiday of Lughnasadh, named for the Celtic Sun God, Lugh. August 1 is also known as Lammas, an Anglo Saxon tradition celebrating the first grain harvest of the growing season. Modern pagan groups including Wiccan and practicing witches often observe both of these ancient traditions, melding elements from each into a modern day Lughnasadh celebrations.
A History of Lughnasadh
Lughnasadh is named after Lugh, a prominent figure from Irish mythology. Because ancient Celtic people did not have written history, much of Irish mythology is interpreted through the writings of Romans and later on, Christian monks. The Roman emperor, Julius Caesar likened Lugh to the Roman deity Mercury and as such Lugh is considered a warrior and portrayed as the god of craftsmanship, including blacksmithing and wheel making.
One version of the origins of Lughnasadh is that Lugh wanted to throw a festival to honor his foster mother Tailtiu, who died of exhaustion from clearing the plains in Ireland for agriculture. The other origin story is that Lughnasadh was a celebration of Lugh’s marriage. The festival coincided with the first grain harvest of the growing season. Grains like wheat, barley, oats and corn were vital for surviving the long cold winters of the Northern Hemisphere. So it makes sense that the first harvest of grain was a cause for celebration, with or without the Irish Sun God. On August 1 grain would be harvested in the dawn hours and by evening it was baked into a loaf of bread to be shared by the community.
A History of Lammas
Like Yule, Imbolc and Ostara, in certain parts of Europe the ancient celebration of Lughnasadh and the first grain harvest was melded with Christianity during the early middle ages, as the influence of the Christian church spread. Early Christians would take the first loaf of bread from the harvest to the local church and be blessed by a priest, leading to the Old English term Hlaf Maesse, or Loaf Mass, which is where the term Lammas comes from.
Lughnasadh Symbols & Elements
As part of the Wheel of the Year, Lughnasadh is associated with symbols of mid and late summer. Sunflowers, sheaves of grain, and harvest tools such as scythes are all symbolize Lughnasadh. Colors associated with Lughnasadh are drawn largely from nature, including bold shades of yellow, bright greens and orange. Stones associated with Lughnasadh include citrine, peridot, carnelian, gold topaz, clear quartz, and amber.
Celebrating Lughnasadh Today
Lughnasadh, and later on Lammas, are both forerunners of the modern county agricultural fairs and festivals. They are more like seasons than a specific holiday or event such as Litha and the Summer Solstice or Mabon and the Autumn Equinox. Thinking about Lughnasadh in this way takes the pressure off of doing one specific celebration on August 1. You can spread out the fun through the month, or celebrate when it works for your schedule.
There are many ways to celebrate Lughnasadh today. Baking bread and sharing with others is a popular way to honor the traditional grain celebration, giving thanks for the abundance in your life. If you’re not a baker or just don’t have the time, there is nothing wrong with using a store-bought loaf of bread instead. Remember the Wheel of the Year isn’t about doing things perfectly; the true magick comes from the intentions you set forth as you practice and celebrate.
Another way to celebrate Lughnasadh on a more personal note is by decorating an altar with Lughnasadh symbols, colors and elements. Taking time to set up your altar and then spending time in meditation offers a way to connect with your inner spirit and take stock of what you have and think about what you’d like to invite into your life. It is also just a great way to slow down from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Gathering with friends and families for a Lughnasadh potluck is also a fun way to celebrate the high point of summer. Along with freshly baked bread, other popular Lughnasadh foods include blackberries, early apples, corn, grains like quinoa, oats or barley and wine and beer. Again, if you are not into spending a day in the kitchen cooking, pick up some premade items from the grocery store. I love incorporating items I don’t usually buy during the rest of the year into my Lughnasadh dinners such as hearty artisan bread from a local bakery, locally made beers from a small batch brewery and rich wines flavored with late summer fruits. These simple items are an easy way to elevate a regular dinner into something special. Grab the Free Lughnasadh Celebration Guide in the Mabon House Members Library.
