The ancient festival of Lughnasa takes place at this time of the year. A celebratory season when people once gathered to celebrate the harvest and gives thanks to Lugh the sun god for his benevolence and light. Fairs, gatherings, community support, races, games, marriges and meetings, let down your hair and dance in late summer! It too signifies a shift, a turn of the wheel as we look towards Autumn once more.

As a child, harvest was a key milestone on our family farm. Hay from the long rows of golden dried grass was baled into neat rectangles and bound by blue twine spun from a machine. Wide feet planted firmly on the stubbly field, my Dad and neighbours speared the bales with pitch forks, tossing them high up in the air to a the gloved hands of a neighbour or relative waiting and ready to stack the bales side by side, eventually forming 8 or 9 rows high on a trailer.

As small children, my siblings and I were lifted up onto the full load in strong arms outstretched overhead and passed up to the stacker, perched on top we’d catch a lift on the load home. This was the highlight of the day! The spikey sops of hay poked sharply into my little, plump, tanned legs, the seeds weaving their way into short cotton socks. Sitting in the middle of the load teetering some 12 or 15 foot high as we rode home together. We'd giggle in delight lying belly flat as we swept under the overhanging sycamore trees outside the farm gate.

Load after load was stacked and piled under the barn filling the air with sweet spelling hay that dulled the empty echo under the domed corrugated iron roof. It made it feel cozy, homely, safe, ready for the colder months ahead.

When the last bale was squeezed in to place, green glass bottles of beer, dripping with condensation were passed around the adults. The backs of dusty, grubby hands swiped over sun darkened, sweat sticky foreheads and a collective “ahhhh” was sighed. Burgers and sausages wrapped in white sliced bread oozing with ketchup were feasted upon until the sun began to slide towards the west.

The celtic festivals provide an opportunity to connect to spirituality in our modern day lives, to align with nature and her seasons and to pause and reflect on our own lives.

Here are 5 wonderful ways to honor the spirit of Lughnasa today 🍃

1. Harvest Feast with Friends

2. Create a ritual: Perhaps by lighting a bonfire or candles to represent the sun's strength. Offer thanks for the past year's blessings and set intentions for the upcoming months.

3. Get arty!: In the spirit of Lugh the Craftsmaster, embrace your creative side!

4. Community: Lughnasa is a time to come together and support each other in a meitheal to help with tasks. Volunteer and contribute to causes that align with the values of Lughnasa - compassion, generosity, and cooperation.

5. Outdoor Activities: Get active and enjoy the outdoors! Organize a friendly sports event, take a hike, swim in the sea, or participate in sport to celebrate Lugh's legendary prowess. Embrace the joy of your body :)

Let's remember that the essence of Lughnasa lies in gratitude, celebration, and interconnectedness. Whether you're honoring your heritage or simply appreciating the beauty of the changing seasons, let Lughnasa remind us of the importance of community, creativity, and embracing the natural world. Take in the sights, sounds and smells of the season, take photos and long walks and naps too - Lughnasa shona dhuit! 

PS. I also wrote a blog last year about Lughnasa with more of its traditions and history, check it out here