Lughnasadh

Lughnasadh or Lughnasa (pronounced /ˈluːnəsə/, LOO-nə-sə; Irish:Lúnasa, /ˈl̪ˠuːn̪ˠəsˠə/; Scottish Gaelic:Lùnastal, [ˈl̪ˠu:nəsd̥əl̪ˠ]; Manx:Luanistyn, [ˈluanɪst̪ən]) is a Gaelic festival marking the beginning of the harvest season. Historically, it was widely observed throughout Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man. Originally it was held on 1 August, or about halfway between the summer solstice and autumn equinox. However, over time the celebrations shifted to the Sundays nearest this date. Lughnasadh is one of the four Gaelic seasonal festivals; along with Samhain, Imbolc and Beltane. It corresponds to other European harvest festivals such as the Welsh Gŵyl Awst and the English Lammas.