by Andrew Pacholyk MS L.Ac
~ Peacefulmind.com
Also called Lughnasad, this ancient festival is celebrated as the beginning of the harvest season that was historically observed throughout Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man.
It is named after the Celtic god, Lugh, “The Shining One”, skilled in many arts including smith craft, a champion warrior, hero, even harpist and poet.
In mythology, Lugh overpowered a primitive Earth god to conquer the harvest time for his people. It is honored by religious ceremonies, athletic contests, feasting on foods from the first harvest, matchmaking couples and trading goods.
Homage and respects would be paid by climbing to tops of hills and mountains, visiting wells and springs and offering the first corn, bilberries and baskets of wheat in thanks. When the Christians adopted this holiday and called it Lammas, the festival shifted slightly to align with the harvesting of potatoes.
This is typically around the last Sunday of July (Garlic Sunday). By the early Middle Ages, the Christians essentially replaced the god Lugh, with the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick.
Even now, on the last Sunday in July, a mass pilgrimage climb Croagh Patrick in County Mayo. This 2 mile walk up the rocky mount (many with bare and bleeding feet) is a testament to the power of this holiday.
Celebrated all over the world and in different cultures including the festival of Lleu, Calan Awst (Wales), Lugudunum (Lyons), Lammas (Christians), Garlic Sunday (Ireland), Lughnasadh (Ireland, Scotland)
When: August 1st (varies)
Season: Cross Quarter : (Mid-way point between Summer Solstice and Autumn Equinox)
Represents: 1st Harvest, Luck, Food Blessings
Virtues: Good Luck, Prosperity
Symbols: Lammas bread, bundle of grain stalks (Sheaf), grain
Gemstone: Ammonite, Carnelian, Copper, Flint, Jasper Mookaite, Petrified Wood
Color: Green, Brown, Yellow
Essential Oils: Eucalyptus, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Vetiver
Remedies: Bilberry, Chives, Dill, Mint, Marjoram, Oregano, Parsley, Rosemary, Tarragon, Sage, Thyme
Flowers: Alstromeria, Cone Flower, Dahlias, Hydrangeas, Hibiscus, Lilies, Sunflower
Element: Earth
Direction: Southwest
Life Event: Change, Healing, Decline
Lunar: Dispute Moon or Sturgeon Moon
Body Healing: Exercise
Mind Healing: Change and Transformation
Spirit Healing: Sacred Spirit
Lughnasad Meditation: Day Start Day End
Lughnasad Connections: Resin Incense, Celtic Candles, Essential Oil Blends, Celtic Amulets, Celtic Crystals, Celtic Astrology
