Holidays: Lughnasadh


Lughnasadh, pronounced "Lúnasa" in Irish, is originally a Gaelic festival marking the beginning of Fall and is the first of the three Harvest festivals (Samhain being the third and last). Traditionally celebrations began on the eve of August 1st.

Lughnasadh means "commemoration of Lugh" however, according to ancient myth, Lugh (pronounced "Loo") honored his foster mother Tailtiu (Tailte, also known as Talti) on this day; after she died of exhaustion from having cleared the fields of Ireland for mankind to cultivate.

Lughnasadh marks the beginning of Fall, when the Suns descent towards the dark days of winter becomes noticeable. The first fruits of Summer are ready for harvest, as are the grains.

The essence of this festival is joy of life, celebrating what Summer is giving us, and appreciating the warmth of the Sun before Winter starts slowly drawing nearer.

Traditionally Lughnasadh was celebrated in Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man. The God Lugh is known for Thunder and Lightning, Arts, Oaths, Truth, and the law. Historically thunder storms were expected on this day, and welcomed. It was a day for speaking the truth, for unions and marriages, contracting winter lodgings, trading goods & livestock; for offerings to and thanking Tailtiu for the harvest, for she was who provided the ground for agriculture. There was a feast, bilberries were harvested, people often trekked to the tops of hills and mountains. Folks adorned themselves in berries and fruits for the celebration. Special games were traditional on this day, and they were known as "Oenach Tailten."

Today Lughnasadh is mostly celebrated by the Pagan/Witchcraft community, though community celebrations are being held in Ireland once again, however the Pagan aspect isn't heavily involved anymore. Us witches typically construct altars and have a feast, sharing food and company, and thanking our various deities for the harvest.

Ways to celebrate on your own may consist of baking bread, gathering edible fruits from Nature and/or your garden, constructing a feast for yourself or your family. Good foods to include in your feast are bilberries, blueberries, blackberries, Gooseberries, Raspberries, Strawberries, Redcurrants, tomatoes, dandelion greens, collard greens, kale, swiss chard, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, Boc choy, Arugula, and Honey.

The colors consistent with Lughnasadh are yellow, orange, red, brown, and green. Some crafts you can do include making Corn Dolls and making a Witches broom (aka a Besom).

Here is a good website with instructions for making a Corn Doll:
http://www.snowwowl.com/naartcornhuskdolls2.html

Brightest Blessings!

 ~Tanya Capps~
Herbal Witchcraft Magazine

https://www.herbalwitchcraftmagazine.com

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