Lughnasadh

Lughnasadh, sometimes called Lammas which means "loaf mass," is celebrated by modern Pagans on
August 1st or 2nd and, in Celtic countries is dedicated to the solar, or sun god, Lugh.

Lugh is said to have instituted the festival in honor of the death of his step-mother Tailltu who is
credited with clearing the land of trees thereby making it ready for agriculture. Traditionally, one of
the main focuses of the festival was games of skill, much like the Olympics. The games and
celebrations often lasted for up to a month.

Lugh is a Celtic Sun God who was widely known throughout the Celtic lands, including Roman
Gaul, Switzerland, and Spain. Lugh is generally seen as a young god full of strength and vitality who
is skilled in all the crafts. In myth his is known as Lugh of the Long Arm which may refer to his
prowess at spear throwing as well as the sling. It was his accuracy with the sling that killed his
grandfather, Balor of the Fomorians.

But, Lugh isn't the only deity honored at this time of year. The Native Americans held a celebration
called the Festival of the Green Corn. This festival often lasted for several days and was dedicated to
the Corn Grandmother. They harvested all but one or two corn stalks and left them as a place for the
Corn Grandmother to live. Other cultures also left the last of the grain harvest standing as an offering
to the fairies or nature spirits of that region.

Sacrificing the "first fruits" of the harvest is another ritual that is performed at this time in some
cultures. These first fruits are ritually buried, burned or left in the field, or placed at a ritual site for
the harvest deities to enjoy.

The Roman festival Ceresalia was celebrated in early August for the grain Goddess Ceres. Another
Roman festival at this time was for Vulcan, the God of the forge. And the birth of the Egyptian sun
Goddess Isis is said the have occurred in August.

In the Strega tradition, Lughnasadh is replaced by the Festival of Ops who is the Goddess of fertility,
creative forces, and earthly energies. She is the wife of Saturn, the Roman God of agriculture. She is
also identified with Fauna/Fatha.

Also in the Strega tradition, La Festa di Cornucopia is observed on August eve, July 31st, and it is a
celebration of plenty and ripe harvest. The God is preparing to sacrifice Himself for the world to
continue.

The first of three harvest festivals, Lughnasadh focuses primarily on the grain such as corn, or maize,
wheat and barley. Bread baking as a sacred ritual is an important activity that can be performed by
modern Pagans.

The bread dough can be made in a bread machine, if necessary, but should be removed after the first
rising. Once the second, and final rising is almost complete, use an athame to incise a pentagram in
the loaf while saying:

"I invoke thee beloved Spirit of the Grain. Be present in this sacred loaf."
The bread can then be consumed at the ritual or family feast.

In some countries, grinding the newly harvested grain is thought of as the destruction of the Grain
God. The grain that is then baked into bread is considered the body of the God, and eating this bread
is considered partaking of the flesh of the God. This is an interesting connection to the Catholic
belief that the bread and wine consumed at communion is the actual body and blood of Jesus Christ.
Those Protestants that celebrate communion believe the act is symbolic.

Women in some Mediterranean countries would ritually sprout grain seeds in dishes or pots called
"Gardens of Adonis." These sprouts are then given as offerings and represented the God's
resurrection. It is, therefore, appropriate to added sprouted wheat to the bread dough.

Picking blackberries is another common and enjoyable activity for Lughnasadh. Blackberries are
sacred to the Goddess Brigid and the Norse thunder god Thor and the usually ripen in July and
August. In our area, it is best to wait for the warmed August weather.

In Ireland, there is a folk custom that prohibits eating blackberries after Mabon. However, making
wine dedicated to the deities associated with summer berries and grapes prior to Mabon are
permissible to keep and drink.

The practice of making the Imbolc corn dolly begins at this time. A small portion of the corn harvest
is collected and dried and stored. The dolly made at the last Imbolc is brought out and used as a
centerpiece and fertility amulet. Redress the dolly to represent a pregnant woman carrying a baby.
Use green cloth to fashion a dress, a ball of cotton or stuffing for the pregnant belly, and a small twist
of wheat, or an ear of baby corn for the child.

The urban dwelling Pagan can purchase ears of corn that have not been shucked. Pull off the
"shocks" or the leaves covering the corn, tie the shocks in a bundle, and hang in a warm place to dry.

Lughnasadh is the perfect time for outdoor picnics and family gatherings. A pot luck feast of salads,
fresh summer vegetables, especially corn on the cob, homemade bread, wine and beer, and berry pies
is very appropriate. Include a few sports and games such as volleyball, softball and even Frisbee
throwing to complete you Lughnasadh celebration.

Bibliography:

Sabbats, A Witch's Approach to Living the Old Ways by Edain McCoy.
Copyright 1994. Published by Llewellyn Publications.

Wheel of the Year, Living the Magical Life by Pauline and Dan Campanelli.
Copyright 1989. Published by Llewellyn Publications.

Magic of the Celtic Gods and Goddess by Carl McColman and Kathryn Hinds.
Copyright 2005. Published by New Page Books.

The Celts by T.G.E. Powell.
Copyright 1958 and 1980. Published by Thames & Hudson

Italian Witchcraft, The Old Religion of Southern Europe, by Raven Grimassi.
Copyright 1995 and 2000. Published by Llewellyn Publications.