LughnasadhLammas

Lughnasadh, also known as Lammas, is an ancient Celtic harvest festival traditionally celebrated on August 1st. It marks the beginning of the harvest season, specifically the ripening and cutting of the first grain. The name Lughnasadh is derived from the Celtic god Lugh, and the festival is often associated with his athletic and martial games. Lammas is an Old English term meaning "loaf mass," referring to the practice of baking loaves of bread from the first harvested wheat and offering them at church.

The celebration typically involves feasting, sporting events, and communal gatherings. Many traditions revolve around the abundance of the harvest, with specific foods like bread, berries, and new ale being central to the festivities. In some regions, Lughnasadh was a time for handfastings, a Celtic form of betrothal or marriage that could be temporary or permanent. It was also a period for fairs and markets, where farmers would sell their produce and crafts.

While its origins are pagan, Lughnasadh has also been observed within Christian traditions, often coinciding with the Feast of Saint Peter in Vinculis. Modern celebrations of Lughnasadh continue in various forms, with many people observing it as a time to honor the earth, give thanks for the harvest, and celebrate the turning of the seasons. It is a significant festival in the Celtic Wheel of the Year, marking a transition from the abundance of summer to the gathering of autumn.