Every year on the Sunday closest to August 1, the Celtic festival Lughnasa kicks off the harvest season. The festival also marks the beginning of autumn and traditionally lasts for one month.

Residents of Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man widely observe Lughnasa. The festival is named after Lugh, an Irish god portrayed as a warrior, king, and savior. Some historians call Lugh “The patron of all human skills.” His name translates as “bright” or “shining,” connecting Lugh to the sun.

Through the years, celebrants gathered for religious ceremonies, feasting, and matchmaking. Lughnasa also prominently included ritual athletic contests. One of the most popular Lughnasa athletic contests is the Tailteann Games. These games included various events, such as the long jump, high jump, spear throwing, boxing, sword fighting, and chariot racing.

In recent years, baking bread has become a popular way to celebrate this festival. This tradition is tied directly to the first grains of harvest. Traditionally, bakers make Bannock Bread in a campfire instead of an oven. Some people put the bread on a stick and roast it like a marshmallow. Other traditions surrounding Lughnasa focus on spending time in nature, such as hiking, taking walks, and outdoor photography

A modern Lughnasadh corn dolly representing the god Lugh