LUGHNASADH has Gaelic roots and is celebrated on the 1st August. It is one of the four main festivals of the Celtic religion, with the other three being Imbolc, Beltain and Samhain. The word Lughnasadh, loosely translated means 'Lugh's Assembly' and was traditionally a time of contests, testing skills and strength.
For Wiccans it is the first of the three autumn harvest festivals and is a cross quarter day - falling midway between the Summer Solstice and the autumn Equinox.
Celtic legend has it that the festival Lughnasadh is named for Lugh. Lugh was the Celtic deity of the arts and sciences and was very fond of his foster Mother Tailtiu. Tailtiu was the royal Lady of the Fir Bolg, but following the defeat of her people in battle, she was tasked with clearing a large area of forest for cultivation to feed the new rulers. Sadly, she died of exhaustion trying to fulfil her task. The legend goes on to say, that on her death bed she requested that her son celebrate her funeral with games. She was believed to have been buried in Ireland and the hill named after her - The hill of Tailte. Lughnasadh was born, games and contests were held and the first fruits of Summer were harvested for the feast.
The name Lammas has been adopted by some to mark this festival. It is taken from the Anglo-Saxon and Christian holiday which is celebrated at the same time. It is a thanksgiving that marks the harvesting of the crops and fruits provided that year, and is symbolised by the baking and offering of bread. Today it is still very common to find agricultural fetes and contests taking place all over the country. Home made jams are made and fruits are gathered. There is a strong spirit of community and the bounty of the earth abounds.
Read about the other Sabbats
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