Lughnasadh is named after the Celtic Sun god Lugh. This is a time when the first harvests of the year would be brought in and prosperity would begin to be felt amongst the community. Summer is fully in bloom and the golden fields and vibrant flowers mirror the glory of the powerful Sun above. During this time, people would feast and make offerings to the gods with the first fruits of the year. During Lughnasadh, there would be singing, music, games, competitions, and much more, as the people could finally begin to enjoy the rewards of their hard work so far that year. Traditionally, Lughnasadh is the first of the 3 great harvest celebrations, kicking off the sacred celebrations when humans reap the results of what they have sown.

In “Celtic Mythology and Religion,” Macbain writes:

“It is called in Scottish Gaelic “Lunasduinn,” in Irish “Lunasd,” old Irish “Lugnasad,” the fair of Lug. The legend says that Luga of the Long Arms, the Tuatha De Danann king, instituted this fair in honour of his foster-mother Tailtiu, queen of the Firbolgs. Hence the place where it was held was called Tailtiu after her, and is the modern Teltown. The fair was held, however, in all the capitals of ancient Ireland on that day. Games and manly sports characterised the assemblies. Luga, it may be noted, is the sun-god, who thus institutes the festival, and it is remarkable that at ancient Lyons, in France, called of old Lug-dunum, a festival was held on this very day, which was famous over all Gaul.”

Wrestling tournaments, races, and various games would have been held during this time in honor of the god Lugh, who is known for being highly skilled in many different areas. Archery, stone lifting, and weight throwing contests were said to have occurred, continuing into the modern day with summer events like the Highland Games. Sacrifices were also common in Pagan times, generally of a bull, and a feast would be made from its flesh, while a portion of the blood and other pieces were given to the gods.

In “A History of Pagan Europe” by Jones & Pennick, it is said:

“Lughnasadh (1 August, also called Bron Trograin) appears to have been imported into Ireland at a later date, perhaps by continental devotees of Lugh, who in the Irish pantheon is a latecomer, the ildánach, master of all skills, more modern in character than the other goddesses and gods. Correspondingly, Lughnasadh differs from the other three festivals in being agrarian in character, marking the harvest, and baking of the first loaf from the new grain. The deity honoured at Lughnasadh was Lugh, who was said to have instituted the games in honour of his foster-mother, Tailtiu. Tailtiu (Teltown) is in fact the name of the site of the festival in Tara. It is an ancient burial ground, and its name is thought to mean ‘fair’ or ‘lovely’, so if it ever was associated with a presiding goddess of that name, like Demeter in Greece she would have ruled both the Underworld and the fruits which sprang from it.”

In modern Germanic Pagan practice, Lughnasadh is recognized as Freyfaxi or “Frey Day,” replacing the Celtic Lugh with the Norse Freyr. Special and careful thanks are given to Lord Ingwaz/Yngvi/Freyr during this time to honor his power and acknowledge his benevolence. A general sense of peace should be felt on this day as well as an internal feeling of gratitude for all one has in life. As a god of wealth, Freyr makes us reflect on the things that make us feel a sense of prosperity in our lives.

In “Sorcery and Religion in Ancient Scandinavia” by Vikernes, it says:

“The 15th day of Alfheimr was Harvest Sacrifice (No. Slatteblot), also known as Wake-Up-Day, known from Gaelic as the festival of Lugh (“light”). The day marked the beginning of harvest. Before harvest could begin the grain spirit was killed and burned, or it was – in the shape of a goat made from last year’s straw – cut into bits and pieces and buried in the field’s four corners and in the field itself. By the time of the Bronze Age the spirit of light and grain had become a goddess and a god, Sibijo and Fraujaz, known from the Scandinavian mythology as Sif and Freyr respectively. The grain deity was still represented by a straw figure in animal form – usually a goat. In addition to this, the god was cut down with a sax, sickle or scythe in a sword dance. Finally, a symbol of the god, usually a loaf of bread or (in the most ancient of times) a cone, was cut into bits and pieces and buried with the straw animal in the field/meadow. The grain spirit had to die and be buried in the ground for new grain to come. They took the first straw harvested and made a new animal of it, then stored it in a safe place for next year’s Harvest Sacrifice.”

In summary, whether celebrating Lughnasadh or Freyfaxi, this is a time when the first fruits of the year are reaped and specific rituals are undertaken to ensure the fertility of the land. Skills are put on display and the community is brought together under a common aim: prosperity, happiness, and peace. It is important to give thanks to natural and local spirits for their blessings, and to the gods for their gifts. During Lughnasadh, we revel in the light, we feast, and we celebrate our good fortune.