Lughnasadh pronounced loo-na-sa takes place on the 1st of August. It’s a pagan festival which marks the beginning of the harvest season. It’s named after the Irish god Lugh who was the god of skills, crafts and swordsmanship amongst other things.
Originally it was a feast which was held in honour of Lugh’s mother who had died of exhaustion after clearing the Irish land for agriculture.
Lughnasadh is one of the eight dates in the pagan Wheel of the Year. These days it is celebrated by giving thanks for the harvest to come. Sometimes they will bake a corn god which they will sacrifice and eat. If it rains on the day it is seen as Lugh’s blessing.
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