AI Overview

August 1 is celebrated as Lughnasadh (also known as Lammas) by many pagan and neopagan traditions. This festival marks the beginning of the harvest season and is one of the four Gaelic seasonal festivals, alongside Samhain, Imbolc, and Beltane. The name "Lammas" comes from the Old English term "hlaf-mas," meaning "loaf mass," reflecting the tradition of baking and offering the first loaves of bread from the harvest.

Key aspects of Lughnasadh/Lammas:

Celebration of the First Harvest:
August 1st is the time when many crops are ready to be harvested and stored for the winter.

Gaelic Origins:
Lughnasadh is named after the Irish god Lugh, who is associated with skill, crafts, and kingship.

Honoring Lugh:
Some traditions celebrate the festival in honor of Lugh and his foster mother, Tailtiu.

Traditions:
Activities often include baking bread, feasting, crafting, and engaging in athletic contests.

Pagan Wheel of the Year:
Lughnasadh/Lammas is a significant festival in the pagan Wheel of the Year, marking the shift from summer to autumn.

Christian Influence:
Historically, the festival was Christianized as Lammas, with the first loaves of bread being offered at church.