Seasons, Part 6

     The last festival in our Celtic calendar is Lammas.  Lammas means "loaf-mass" and falls during the height of summer, August 1st.  It celebrates the ripening crops and reaping what one has sown.  In Ireland during this time, horse fairs are held.  There were also marriage markets, and in the old days couples could "hand fast," which is to marry for a year and a day.  If the couple didn't conceive or get along, they could simply dissolve the relationship. 

     Lammas is also known as Lughnasa, the feast of Lugh, who is the solar god.  Lugh is also the master of all skills and Lughnasa is a time to celebrate in friendly competition.

(photo courtesy of pixabay.com)