Lúnasa Origins and Lore

I’m so looking forward to celebrating Lúnasa, and will be celebrating on the traditional date of August 1st . . . and likely on “true” Lúnasa too, the precise midpoint between the Summer Solstice and the Autumn Equinox, which this year falls on August 7th at 12:36 UTC (per archaeoastronomy.com).

Did you know that Lúnasa is the word for “August” in modern Irish? But its old Irish roots meant “the assembly of Lugh” or “games of Lugh”. It also was known by many more names, such as Lughnasadh, Lammas, and even Gooseberry Fair, inspired by the fruits picked Lúnasa.

Lugh and his mother Tailtíu (TAL-chi-uh) of the Tuatha Dé Danann were both associated with the harvest celebrations.  In some traditions, Tailtíu is Lugh’s step-mother or foster mother (and queen of the Fir Bolg, who ruled Ireland before the Tuatha Dé Danann)…