Lughnasadh
Lughnasadh (pronounced LOO-nə-sə) is a traditional Gaelic festival marking the beginning of the harvest season. Historically, it was widely observed throughout Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man. The festival is named after the god Lugh, a prominent deity in Irish mythology.
Etymology
The name Lughnasadh is derived from the Old Irish Lughnasadh, which means "assembly of Lugh." The festival is also known as Lúnasa in modern Irish, Lùnastal in Scottish Gaelic, and Luanistyn in Manx.
Historical Background
Lughnasadh is one of the four major Gaelic seasonal festivals, along with Samhain, Imbolc, and Beltane. It traditionally took place on August 1st, or about halfway between the summer solstice and the autumn equinox. The festival was a time for community gatherings, athletic contests, feasting, and trading.
Mythological Significance
According to Irish mythology, Lughnasadh was established by the god Lugh in honor of his foster-mother, Tailtiu, who died of exhaustion after clearing the plains of Ireland for agriculture. The festival included a variety of activities such as Tailteann Games, which were similar to the ancient Olympic Games.
Modern Observance
In contemporary times, Lughnasadh is celebrated by various Neopagan groups, including Wiccans and Druids. These modern celebrations often include rituals, feasts, and the making of corn dollies.
Customs and Traditions
Traditional customs associated with Lughnasadh include:
- **Feasting**: Celebrating the first fruits of the harvest.
- **Games and Competitions**: Athletic contests and horse racing.
- **Handfasting**: Temporary trial marriages that lasted a year and a day.
- **Bonfires**: Lighting of bonfires to mark the occasion.
Related Festivals
Lughnasadh is related to other harvest festivals around the world, such as the Lammas festival in England, which also marks the beginning of the harvest season.
See Also
References
External Links
Transform your life with W8MD's budget GLP-1 injections from $125.
W8MD offers a medical weight loss program to lose weight in Philadelphia. Our physician-supervised medical weight loss provides:
- Most insurances accepted or discounted self-pay rates. We will obtain insurance prior authorizations if needed.
- Generic GLP1 weight loss injections from $125 for the starting dose.
- Also offer prescription weight loss medications including Phentermine, Qsymia, Diethylpropion, Contrave etc.
NYC weight loss doctor appointments
Start your NYC weight loss journey today at our NYC medical weight loss and Philadelphia medical weight loss clinics.
- Call 718-946-5500 to lose weight in NYC or for medical weight loss in Philadelphia 215-676-2334.
- Tags:NYC medical weight loss, Philadelphia lose weight Zepbound NYC, Budget GLP1 weight loss injections, Wegovy Philadelphia, Wegovy NYC, Philadelphia medical weight loss, Brookly weight loss and Wegovy NYC
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
