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| Advertisement Logo Lúnasa 2019 |
Here we are again, another year and the return of
Lúnasa. Lúnasa is one of the oldest
festivals we have in the Isles. In modern
Gaelic spelling, it is Lúnasa, the older Gaelic spelling is Lúghnasa, in Scots Gaelic, Lùnastal, and in Manx Gaelic
Luanistyn. The
festival marks the end of the growing season and the coming of Autumn.
Lugh is present to bless the harvest and ensure its protection.
The festival is observed in Ireland, Scotland, the Isle of Man, and throughout the Diaspora of the Gaelic people. The etymology of Lúnasa is from the old Gaelic Lug (the god) and násad (assembly). Lúnasa is the start of the harvest season. Lúnasa has been celebrated over three thousand years. Traditionally, it is held on 1 August and the surrounding days. This is the time between the summer solstice and the autumn equinox. Lúnasa is one of the four Gaelic seasonal festivals, along with Samhain, Imbolc, and Lá Bealtaine.
The festival is observed in Ireland, Scotland, the Isle of Man, and throughout the Diaspora of the Gaelic people. The etymology of Lúnasa is from the old Gaelic Lug (the god) and násad (assembly). Lúnasa is the start of the harvest season. Lúnasa has been celebrated over three thousand years. Traditionally, it is held on 1 August and the surrounding days. This is the time between the summer solstice and the autumn equinox. Lúnasa is one of the four Gaelic seasonal festivals, along with Samhain, Imbolc, and Lá Bealtaine.
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| Ravens and Crows totem animals of Lugh |
Lúnasa is mentioned in the earliest Gaelic literature
and was ancient even by early Christian times.
The festival is named from the god Lugh, who is one of the ancient gods
of the Gael. Lúnasa includes religious ceremonies, sporting contests, matchmaking, visits to holy wells and
Faery trees, and special market days. In ancient times, the festival included
the tasting of the ‘first fruits' and elaborate feasts, the sacrifice of a
bull, servings of bilberries, and a ritual play and dance where Lugh takes and
protects the harvest for the people of the tribes.
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| A pre Christian image of Lugh from France |
Lúnasa enjoyed great popularity well into the 20th
century, but waned in mid-century, as modernity and its soul killing materialism, put stress upon these old
customs... but, fortunately, Lúnasa has seen a great revival in the last few
years. Lúnasa festivals, fairs, and activities are growing in popularity. The festival and related events survive under
different names, such as Crom Dubh Sunday, Garland Sunday, Bilberry Sunday,
Mountain Sunday. Lúnasa has been
incorporated in Christian ritual with Saint Patrick filling in for Crom, in the
pilgrimage to the top of Croagh Patrick on the last Sunday in July. Crom Dubh and Crom Cruach are post Christian appellations, two of the many nomina of the Dagda. In some of the lore, Dagda also is present at Lúnasa.
In Irish myth Lúnasa began as a
funeral feast and athletic competition to commemorate the death of
Tailtiu, the foster mother of Lugh. The legends
tell us that she died of exhaustion after clearing the fields of Ireland for
agriculture. Tailtiu was the wife of the last Fir Bolg king of Ireland, before
the coming of the Tuath Dé Danann.
Enjoy your Lúnasa... It is the time to have a plate of beef and some of the new harvest's fruits and vegetable, to cook a loaf, and pour the beer. This is a good time to have a wee fire out in the fire pit tonight. We remember our ancestors on such occasions. And do pour the first sip of your libation on the ground to honour the old guy Lugh. Always a good thing to do.
Link: Finding the McCains
© Barry R McCain 2019
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