Skip to main content

What is Lughanasa?

Lughnasadh or Lughnasa (/ˈluːnəsə/ LOO-nə-sə, Irish: [ˈl̪ˠuːnˠəsˠə]) is a Gaelic festival marking the beginning of the harvest season. Historically, it was widely observed throughout Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man. In Modern Irish it is called Lúnasa, in Scottish Gaelic: August August 1st is the Celtic Celebration of Lùnastal, and in Manx: Luanistyn. 

Traditionally it is held on 1 August, or about halfway between the summer solstice and autumn equinox. In recent centuries some of the celebrations have been shifted to the Sunday nearest this date. It is a celebration of the first harvest, a time to give thanks for the fruit of the seeds planted in Spring. 


On this day of thanksgiving, what fruit and harvest are you grateful for? This morning I paused to think about the growth of this house plant as well as the lily that bloomed in my yard. My how they both have uncurled and expanded since their initial planting! The green of these plants makes me also consider what "greening" has grown in my heart, soul and mind - and give thanks for the people and places that have encouraged growth. 


What growth do you give thanks for? 

Who has encouraged growth in you?

Name it. Name them.

Celebrate this first harvest with joy. 

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Selah Season

 Holy Shenanigans Podcast Episode #162 Selah Season Tara continues sane spiritual practices with an opportunity to practice, "Selah". This week's Scripture focus:  Psalm 62. Questions for Discussion: 1. What Spiritual Practices do you enjoy? 2. Are your Spiritual Practices Active or more Contemplative?  3. Do you "Selah", before you Serve? 4. Do you think pause (Selah) should come before Service? Why or why not? 5.  If you could give advice to a friend about the value of pause, what would say? 6. Where can you find a pocket for Selah/pause in your day?
Post a Comment
Read more

Changing Seasons and New Call

 Changing seasons and Change of Pastoral Call… For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven Ecclesiastes 3:1  It is with great joy that I share exciting news of a vocational change. On Sunday, September 15th, the members of First Presbyterian Church of Warren, Pennsylvania called me to become their called and installed minister through a formula of agreement between the PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of the USA) and ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America). My first Sunday leading worship with Warren First Presbyterian will be October 27th, 2024 at 10 am. Details for the formal installation service will be shared at a later date.  Gratitude to First Presbyterian Church of Jamestown, NY, for the last 18 months of transitional ministry together and for your kind farewell last week. Gratitude to my family, friends, colleagues and church members from the Presbytery of Western New York and the Upstate New York Synod (ELCA) for your partnership, s...
Post a Comment
Read more

Star Words for 2024

 What is your Star Word for 2024? Episode #161 Holy Shenanigans Podcast Join Rev. Tara Eastman, as she shares the spiritual practice of choosing an annual “Star Word” and gentle options for spiritual renewal with special guest, author: Rev. Katy Stenza.  Katy Stenta is a PCUSA pastor, writer, workshop leader and community builder. She is currently vice moderator for Albany Presbytery, regular contributor to Sermonsuite and leads workshops on writing, particularly prayer and liturgy. Her conversational prayers and psalms are used by people and churches all over the world from  KatyandtheWord.com  and she is all but dissertation for completing her Doctorate in Ministry in Creative Writing as a public theologian at Mr Roger' alma mater  Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.
Post a Comment
Read more