The crops in the fields are ripe and ready for the first harvest. The god has given his power to the grain and become a willing sacrifice that ensures the survival of our families over the coming cold season. At sundown on July 31st the festival of Lughnasadh begins!
Lughnasadh comes from the Irish Gaelic Lugh, a Celtic sun god and násad, meaning assembly. Together they are frequently interpreted as the funeral games or commemoration of Lugh. In some traditions, the god Lugh has given his life’s blood to the grain in order to ensure a bountiful harvest and the people celebrate and give thanks to the god for his sacrifice. In other traditions, the god has given his power, entering old age but not yet departed. In this case, the funeral is not in his honour, but that of his foster-mother Tailtiu. She is credited with the clearing of the plains of Ireland to make way for agricultural development, and perished of exhaustion as a result. Whether the god is growing weaker with age, or already walking the next world, his sacrifice is felt as the nights grow noticeably longer and we recognize that the balmy summer season is giving way to autumn.
Lugh is a sun god, but he is also the god of craft and skill. It is most appropriate to appreciate the labour and skill that people have contributed to produce the harvest, as well as the gifts of Lugh. In the modern age, few stop to think of the farmers toiling in their fields in order to put food on our tables. On this day if no other, remember them and acknowledge their efforts in feeding the rest of the world! For those who live off the land, those with vegetable gardens or even those who grow a tomato plant or two on your balcony, celebrate yourself and the fruits of your labours!
Lughnasadh traditions include ceremonial grain cutting customs, the making of corn dollies and other icons, bread making and of course, a feast!
In many places, the first and last sheaves of grain held special significance. The first grains would be cut at dawn, processed then baked into a special Harvest Bread loaf. The loaf was shared with the family/community as thanks for the harvest. This tradition was continued by the Christians at Lammas, as the first loaves were brought to church as offerings, the church would then bless the fields.
The last sheaf was also ceremonially cut, then often made into a corn dolly*. This icon was honoured at the Harvest Feast, then would be displayed in the home over the winter, usually near the hearth or above the fireplace. In the spring it may be buried with the newly sown grain, burnt with the ashes scattered over the fields, or returned to the earth in some other way. This would allow the power of the harvest god to pass from harvest to harvest.
What would a sabbat festival be without a feast? Casseroles made with seasonal veggies, pies made with berries you picked yourself, bread made from scratch; there are many so recipes online, explore and enjoy!
Lughnasadh is a celebration of the harvest, but Lugh is also the god of crafts and skills. With that thought in mind, here are some things you can do to decorate your house and altar for the sabbat.
The bees have been buzzing about all summer long, working to collect pollen, make honey and ensure the survival of their hive. Make some beeswax candles to remember and honour their efforts, as well as your own.
Lughnasadh is a harvest festival, specifically the grain harvest. Popcorn crafts are a great way to appreciate this, plus it’s an easy way to involve the kids. Make lots of popcorn and make garlands or wreaths or any one of a number of clever ideas.
Collect items to decorate your altar such as sunflowers, wheat stalks, popcorn, your homemade beeswax candles, a loaf of homemade bread, etc.
Try canning some of your harvest, or venture down to the farmer’s market and buy some local produce, so you can appreciate it in the winter months when it’s harder to come by.
* Instructions on how to make a corn dolly can be found here.