Part of the 12 month mural series exploring the Celtic and Roman history behind each calendar month.
Lughnasadh is a Gaelic festival marking the beginning of the harvest season, traditionally held on August 1st, halfway between the summer solstice and the autumn equinox.
It’s one of the four major Gaelic festivals, alongside Samhain, Imbolc, and Beltane. Named after the god Lugh, who was unbeatable in battle. His magical spear could strike like lightning, with the word “Ibar” it hit its mark, and with “Athibar!” it returned to his hand.
The Irish word for autumn is an fhómhar, often shortened to fómhar, which also means “harvest.”
The Celtic tree for August is the Hazel. Deeply rooted in Irish mythology, hazel trees are symbols of wisdom and authority. Legend says nine hazel trees stood around the Well of Knowledge, their nuts falling into its waters. These were eaten by the salmon of knowledge, who carried their wisdom through the seven rivers of Ireland.
The month of August is named after Augustus, the first Roman emperor.
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