Let’s Talk Lughnasadh: The First Harvest Festival

Lughnasadh Altar

(also known as Lughnasadh, Lammas and a variety of other spellings)

Lughnasa (pronounced LOO-nah-sah) is an ancient festival, that still magical and relevant —earthy, golden, sun-drenched magic. It comes from Celtic tradition and marks the beginning of the harvest season, usually celebrated on August 1st. It’s all about honouring the land, giving thanks for the first fruits of the season, and celebrating life with a big heart and full belly.

🌞 Where It All Began

Lughnasa is a harvest festival named after Lugh, a Celtic sun god. Lugh earned the epithet "Samildánach" (skilled in all arts) due to his exceptional abilities across various disciplines, including warfare, craftsmanship, music, healing, and sorcery.

The festival was said to be created by Lugh to honour his foster mother, Tailtiu, who died after clearing land for crops. People used to hold fairs, games, feasts, and rituals in her memory. It was also a time where couples could initiate a "marriage trial" - So truly a time of celebration, giving thanks and the potential of "what comes next".

🌾 Old Folk Harvest Traditions (That Still Feel Relevant)

Back in the day, people would:

Gather the first harvest—grains, berries, whatever was ready—and offer some of it back to the Earth in gratitude.

Bake bread from the new wheat and share it with loved ones.

Climb sacred hills to connect with the gods and the land.

Hold fairs with music, dancing, crafts, and even trial marriages called handfastings.

Celebrate community—with laughter, stories, games, and maybe a few friendly competitions.

harvest festival

🍞 How You Can Celebrate Lughnasadh Today

Even if you’re not living on a farm (or anywhere near a wheat field), you can still tap into the spirit of Lughnasadh in simple, meaningful ways:

Bake something—bread, cake, scones—whatever feels seasonal and nourishing. Make it an offering to yourself, your ancestors, or the Earth.

Set up a little altar with seasonal things like corn, wheat, sunflowers, red and gold cloths, and symbols of the sun.

Spend time outside. Go for a walk, have a picnic, watch the sunset. It’s about connecting with the turning of the seasons.

Write or reflect. What are you harvesting in your life right now? What are you proud of? What still needs your attention?

Gather with your people. Share a meal, raise a glass, play music, dance barefoot. Lughnasa is a celebration of community and joy.

harvest festival

🌻 Why It Still Matters

Lughnasadh reminds us that life comes in seasons. It’s a time to pause and be grateful for what we’ve grown—physically, emotionally, creatively. It’s about recognising your efforts, enjoying your abundance, and preparing gently for the slower, darker months ahead.

So light a candle, bake a loaf, dance under the sun, or just sit quietly and say thanks. However you choose to honour it, Lughnasadh is a beautiful chance to come back to the rhythm of the Earth—and yourself. harvest festival