Lughnasadh

Photo via armidacooks

I always hated how that is spelled. Oh well, so is the nature of old Gaelic.


The Meaning of "being Celtic"
As a descendent of Gaelic peoples, both from Ireland, Wales as well as Brythonic people, I have a cultural identity with "being Celtic". While these people are now gone, in a sense you can play with the fact that a) they are now part of the Earth (literally) and b) their memory lives on with your existence. You would want to do your ancestors proud, but that is not the essence of being Celtic, though it is important. The main and concrete pillar, in my mind is being a kind human being. I am not a re-constructionist, and celebrate the holiday in a way that suits Celtic tradition and pride. Part of that pride, remember is about being a kind human being first, and an understanding one. That is what "being Celtic" primarily means to me.

Practical Origins and Explanation
Lughnasadh, which sounds like [Loo-nah-sah] in Irish Gaelic, is a holiday celebrated approximately August 1st. It is meant to be the midpoint between the summer equinox [the beginning of summer] and the fall equinox [autumn, the beginning of autumn]. During that time, farmers would begin their harvest and help each other in their pursuits.

Religion
Yeah... there are some religious connotations associated with Lughnasadh. Being a modern descendent of the Celts, I choose to strip most of the religious stuff out of the holiday, as the stories, folklores and legends have no credibility. While important to the ancient culture of our ancestors, it is absurd to believe that there is a corn god or a rain god. In ancient times, predating modern science, people had no explanations for natural causes. To remedy the situation, they created supernatural agents [in their minds].

Some may argue that the entire meaning of the holiday is stripped away when the religion is removed. I call nonsense- it is about tradition and celebration of our lives now and the lives of the past.

Ancient Associated Rituals
According to Irish Mythology, the festival was began by the god Lugh [with connections to the Tuatha De Danann, another race of people from Irish Mythology]. The celebration was a funeral feast for his mother Taitiu as well as a sporting competition. The holiday is also celebrated by many Neo-pagans and Wiccans worldwide for all or some of the reasons listed. Go do some research on it!

• In the ancient customs, it was traditional for people to climb hills and collect berries on the way, which would be used for wine and other goods.
• Traditional Gaelic marriages (hand fasting) were commonly done on this day.
• Large, controlled bonfires were made.
• Coins were tossed into wells and prayers said for good health [prayers to pagan deities].
• Ancestors were honored in a toast [of wine]. 
• Lugh is honored as the deity of storms and lightning.

Modern Ways to Celebrate Lughnasadh
The original tradition of celebrating the passing of ancestors and the lives we have today should not be taken away from the holiday. In that regard:

• Toast to the memory of your ancestors, remembering the lives they lead and where you stand today.
• Celebrate your Gaelic/Celtic heritage and what it means to be human in your own way [that does NOT involve the harm of animals].
• Gaelic/Celtic music on to celebrate [for any length of time. I have it going all day while awake].
• Drink merrily, as in many Irish Gaelic [even Nordic] customs.
• Eat a massive feast!
• Be merry and happy during this time, especially if nothing else is pressing you down.