Lughnasa is the Irish word for August and since this was the beginning of the harvest season, it was a time to celebrate. Usually the first weekend of the month was set aside for gatherings. Games and sports were tried by the young men and the girls picked berries. “Pattern Days” were observed also. This was honoring a favorite saint by visiting a holy well or shrine, and the faithful would walk around the well or shrine while reciting prayers. The ritual also included drinking water from the holy well or washing an afflicted part of the body. A token, such as a coin, cloth or a medal was left. Superstitions about the weather also played a role during Lughnasa. If the mountain peak looked blue and distant, a good harvest was expected. If it appeared clear and close, the worst was feared. So offerings were left on the mountain as well as placing garlands of flowers on the largest pillar stone to ensure a good harvest.
Another ritual observed during August was bathing in the ocean on the feast of the Assumption (August 15). This was thought to be beneficial to the health. An added benefit was drinking three mouthfuls of water from the sea,which aided the digestive system. Source: Irish Culture and Customs
