The fourth Quarter Day of the Celtic Year is Lammas, Latha Lunasdal.
It falls on August 1st, (or 12th O.S) and once heralded the start
of the harvesting season and was connected to the Celtic goddess,
Lugh,
Lammas was an annual fair day in most parts of Scotland. By the
end of the twentieth century only a few remained, such as the Lammas
Fairs at St. Andrews and Kirkcaldy. The most ancient Lammas ritual
to survive is in South Queensferry where, on the first Friday in
August, the Burryman walks the marches of the town. Clad head to
foot in burrs, a hat of roses on his head, a Scottish flag about
his middle, and a staff in each hand, he slowly walks the route
accompanied by two officials, led by a bell-ringer and chanting
children who collect money (for luck).
See also The Celtic Year
