August 1st marks the ancient Celtic festival of Lughnasadh. In Celtic mythology, the god Lugh Lámhfhada – “Lugh of the Long Arm,” is one of the chief Gods of the Tuatha Dé Danann. The Celts established the festival of Lughnasadh as a funeral feast commemorating his foster-mother, Tailtiu, who sacrificed herself and died on August 1st of exhaustion after clearing the plains of Brega for farming. This celebration doesn’t focus on her sacrifice, but instead focuses on Lugh’s role as Samildánach, “the Master of All Arts.” One of the common symbols of Lugh, who is often associated with light, skill, and the harvest, is the Sun.