Lughnasadh – History, Myth and Traditions

Lughnasadh is also known as Lammas or First Harvest, and the last of the four Celtic fire festivals. Lughnasadh is Irish Gaelic for “Commemoration of Lugh”.

The god Lugh’s name means ‘light’ and ‘brightness’. Despite the festival bearing his name, Lugh started the festival in honour of his foster mother, Tailtiu. She is Goddess, of vigour, strength and endurance. Her name means “Great One of the Earth.

Many accounts state that Tailtiu had fostered Lugh after battling with another tribe. Tailtiu had worked tirelessly for her people, clearing lands for agricultural usage. She must have known her death was coming, as she asked her husband to clear some land for her grave. Tailtiu, pushed herself beyond her limits and as a result died. Lugh made sure she was buried in the area she wanted and raised a mound over her final resting place. He also ordered fires to be lit there. Every summer he held games and sports in her honour.

Traditions of Lughnasadh

Lughnasadh marks the first cutting of grain or corn.

Lughnasadh marks the first cutting of grain or corn, the first harvest. The first sheaf was used to make bread. The last sheaf that was cut was often kept in the home, usually above the hearth, until the next year’s harvest. It would then be mixed with seeds and given back to the earth. It was also traditional to make corn dollies out of the last remaining sheaves.

Altar Ideas.

Corn

Sunflowers, especially seeds.

Pictures of the sun.

Yellow candles

Corn dollies

Things to do.

Have a late evening picnic.

Make corn Dolls

Bake bread

Collect seeds and dry them in the sun, ready for sowing next year.

Smudge and cleanse your home- Now is a good time to do this while you can open windows and doors to let the fresh air in.

Have a late evening picnic and toast the sun.

Quick Ritual

Write down all you have achieved this past year.

Light candles and take some time to reflect on all you have achieved this past year. Write down all of your achievements. You could either write them in a notebook, or on bits of paper and put them in a jar. This could be your achievement Jar. Continue to add to your notebook or jar. If you are ever feeling a little bit low you can look over all you have achieved. However, now is not the time to set new goals, they can be worked on near Samhain. For now, focus on your well-being and appreciate all that you have.