A Pagan Family Holiday Celebration: Lughnasadh

Lughnasadh is named after Lugh, the Celtic Sun God of the many skills. When Lugh went to Tara to join the court of King Nuada of the Tuatha De Danann, he was not allowed inside unless he could name a unique skill that he could use in serving the king. Lugh began to name a number of his skills- smith, poet, cartwright, champion, craftsman, musician, sorcerer... but with each skill he named, he was told the court already held someone with that skill. Finally, Lugh asked, "Do you have anyone who can do all of these things?" They did not, and Lugh was granted entry.

Lughnasadh, celebrated on or around August 2^nd, is also the first harvest festival of the year. Also known as Lammas (loaf-mas) and Cornucopia, it is a time to begin thanking the Earth for it's bounty. We see that the Sun God is growing weaker with each passing day, and show our gratitude for the warmth and strength it has lent to the Earth.

Here are some great activities for you and your family to enjoy during the Lughnasadh season:

Bake Bread

No harvest festival is complete without fresh baked bread. On Lughnasadh, it is a tradition to bake the bread in the shape of the sun, and making the first offering to Lugh. Just the act of making and kneading the bread can be an act of ritual, especially if accompanied by chanting prayers of thanks.

Make a Corn Dolly or Vine God

In many Pagan rituals, this is the season for the burning of the Wicker Man, a God representing the sacrificial king that gives his life so that life can be reborn. Using dried corn stalk leaves or vines and twine, tie them into a little human figure and sacrifice it on the fire at dusk. If you don't have a fireplace or can't use a campfire, try a barbecue grill, or just lighting it outdoors and placing it in a heat-proof vessel to burn out.

Ask for Lugh's Blessings

Since this is Lugh's feast, place all of your tools upon the altar for your future endeavors- anything that symbolizes your chores, hobbies, work or schooling- and ask Lugh, the many-skilled one- to bless your tools and endeavors for the year.

Reap the Harvest

This is a great time for taking in the first harvest of the garden. If you don't have a garden, plan a trip to a local farmers market and select some fresh, ripe fruits and vegetables. Incorporate them into your feast, or share the harvest by donating some to soup kitchens and food pantries.

Have an "Open Mic Night"

Lugh was a story teller, poet and musician, so it is a perfect time to celebrate the arts. Give everyone an opportunity to express themselves by telling stories, reciting favorite or original poems, and singing songs. If you have several musicians among you, try to get a jam session going and let the spirit of Lugh inspire you.