What happened at Lammas/Lughnasadh celebrations in ancient Ireland?

Question

What kind of games were played - what did they do for fun or worship?

PS - this is the celebration of the Fall time - its Harvest Season.

Answer 1

Lughnasadh is the first harvest Sabbat and is usually celebrated on the first of August, but the festivities can begin on the night of July 31st and carry through to August 2nd.

it is the first harvest feast of thanksgiving. It's also known as the Festival of the Corn.

A part of the celebration nowadays, but without doubt originating in ancient pagan times is the making of the Corn Dolly or "Grain Mother" as she is sometimes called.

As it was the beginning of the harvest festival, it was time to thank the nature for all the bounty. People rejoiced, grateful for the fruits of nature, and probably performed some sorth of a sacrifice or a offering to thank for the food.

There was of course a bonfire and a feast following the sacrifice, also asking for the good luck during the harvest - the weather had to keep good during the harvest, because you can't put away wet grains. There was also a lot of singing and dancing around the fire, sometime with wreaths made of wheat around their heads.

Answer 2

In celtic mythology Lughnasadh was begun as a funeral feast by the God Lugh, in honour of his foster-mother Tailtiu. According to the stories she died from over-work (why am I not surprised?) after clearing all the lands in Ireland for farming.
There are a number of traditions surrounding Lughnasadh. As with most of the celtic celebrations it was a time for contests of strength and skill.
It was also a time when people could enter trial marriages which would last for 1 year and 1 day, then to be either anulled or confirmed.
More than anything it was a time of markets, family reunions and community gatherings.

Answer 3

I honestly can only remember one game which involved drinking a lot of mead and ale. I think I won, at least it felt like I did.