Lughnasadh is a harvest festival. It is connected to one of the few Pan-Celtic Gods, Lugh. It literally means Lugh’s betrothal feast. The festival marks the end of summer and the start of the dying season. It is celebrated by the entire group, outside, and lasts overnight. It is a time to reap the rewards of the summer, to acknowledge changes, and get ready for the dark season. It was considered to be the dying season because animals that could not be fed over the winter were slaughtered.
The rituals associated with Lugh are interesting. To this day, a doll holding a spear is prepared and placed near the festivities. Lugh’s betrothal is with Mother Earth. To complete the betrothal Lugh must return to the earth. Thus, he is symbolically killed by the men at the festival (throwing spears until the doll is knocked to the earth). It must be done to ensure a good harvest the following year.
