Lughnasa: The First Fruits of the Harvest

Every year, as July fades into August, the ancient Celtic festival of Lughnasa (also called Lughnasadh or Lammas) marks the beginning of the harvest season. Named after the god Lugh, a figure of skill, artistry, and leadership, this festival was both a time of gratitude and preparation.

Traditionally, communities came together to celebrate the first fruits of the land, particularly grains. The earliest loaves of bread would be baked from the new harvest, fields were blessed, and feasts were shared in honour of the earth’s abundance. Games, dancing, and matchmaking also formed part of the festivities, making it a time of joy as well as reverence.

Though rooted in ancient Ireland and Gaelic culture, Lughnasa reflects a universal rhythm: the cycle of sowing, growing, and reaping. It reminds us to pause and give thanks for what has grown, both in the fields and in our own lives.

Today, many communities around the world continue to celebrate Lughnasa. Whether through baking bread, hiking to hilltops, or gathering in festivals, people find ways to reconnect with the land and the turning of the seasons.

At its heart, Lughnasa is a festival of gratitude and community, a reminder that every harvest, no matter how small, is worth honouring.

Happy Lughnasa