Harvest season begins—Celebrate Lughnasa!

Discover the myth of Lugh and simple ways to celebrate this fire festival. 

What Is Lughnasa?

Lughnasa is one of the four cross-quarter days in the Celtic year, falling on August 1st, halfway between the summer solstice and the autumn equinox. The other cross-quarter days are Samhain, Imbolc, and Beltane.

The God Lugh

Lughnasa is named after the Irish god Lugh. Today, Lugh is often known as a multi-talented god, containing within himself all the skills and abilities of his people. He is also frequently described as a sun god, although it is interesting to note that there is little historical evidence indicating that he was traditionally worshipped as a solar deity in ancient times. This association appears to have developed more strongly in modern pagan traditions. He is also often depicted as fair-haired, perhaps reflecting this later connection with the sun.

Lugh Among the Tuatha Dé Danann

Lugh is one of the high kings of the Tuatha Dé Danann, the divine beings of ancient Ireland. In mythology, Lugh is described as heroic, tempestuous, skilled, and hot-tempered. He is a great warrior, but also a mediator, leader, and master of many crafts.

Lugh's Fomorian Bloodline

Lugh is unique among the Tuatha Dé Danann because his father is of the Tuatha Dé Danann, while his mother is Fomorian—one of the ancient beings that the Tuatha Dé Danann battled in Irish mythology. Lugh is the grandson of the Fomorian High King, Balor (keep an eye out for next week's blog to learn more about the Fomorians). A prophecy foretold that Balor would be killed by his own grandson, and in a desperate attempt to cheat fate, Balor locked his only daughter, Ethlinn, away in a tower on Tory Island, far from any man. But fate found a way: Ethlinn gave birth to a son, Lugh.

The Prophecy Fulfilled

Lugh gained entry into the court of Nuada, king of the Tuatha Dé Danann, by proving that he possessed more skills than any other single person among the gods. To demonstrate his abilities, he revealed his many talents, which mythological sources describe as including builder, smith, champion, harper, warrior, poet, sorcerer, physician, cupbearer, and brazier.

At the time, the Tuatha Dé Danann were in need of a worthy king. Nuada had lost his arm in the First Battle of Moytura, and by their laws, a king who was not whole in body could not rule. Bres took the throne for a time but proved such a poor ruler that he was forced out. Recognizing Lugh's extraordinary array of skills, the Tuatha Dé Danann made him their king.

It was as king that Lugh led the Tuatha Dé Danann into the Second Battle of Moytura against the Fomorians. In the heat of that battle, Lugh fulfilled the prophecy at last, killing his grandfather Balor with a single sling-stone and securing the rule of the Tuatha Dé Danann in Ireland.

Lughnasa Today

Today, Lughnasa (also spelled Lughnasadh and Lugnasad) is still celebrated. It is a fire festival that marks the beginning of the harvest season. Traditionally, it was celebrated with athletic games and competitions, bonfires, offerings of the first fruits of the harvest, baking bread from freshly harvested grain, and handfasting ceremonies.

Ways You Can Celebrate Lughnasa:

 🌿 Climb a mountain and honor the land.

Admire the view from the summit and create a flower garland to leave as an offering of beauty and gratitude to nature.

 🔥 Host outdoor games and competitions.

Gather with family and friends for athletic games, or simply set up your favorite outdoor activities and enjoy the warmth and abundance of the season.

 💍 Handfast, get married, or celebrate love and commitment.

Handfasting is an ancient Celtic ritual in which a couple's hands are bound together with fabric, such as ribbons, to symbolize their commitment to one another. This practice is often considered the origin of the phrase "tying the knot." Traditionally, a Celtic handfasting lasted for a year and a day, after which the couple could choose to formally marry or part ways.

 🌾 Harvest the first fruits of the season and celebrate abundance.

Gather the first fruits, herbs, or vegetables from your own garden and create a celebratory meal using what you have grown. Honor the nourishment of the Earth by giving thanks for the seeds planted, the tending you have offered, and the gifts now ready to be received.

Whether you celebrate Lughnasa or not, I’m wishing you many blessings as we enter this season of harvest.

Until next time!

Kelley