Celebrating Lammas: Embracing Harvest and Birth

SpookyMrsGreen

Aug 1

As the warm embrace of summer envelops us, nature begins to hint at the approaching autumn, and the time comes to celebrate Lammas, a cherished pagan festival that honours the first harvest of the year.

For me, SpookyMrsGreen, Lammas holds a special place in my heart, not only because of its significance in the Wheel of the Year, but also because today it marks the 10th birthday of my youngest daughter, Georgina – my little Lammas baby!

Happy 10th Birthday Georgina my little Lammas Baby!

What is Lammas?

Lammas, also known as Lughnasadh, is a traditional Celtic festival celebrated on August 1st, midway between the summer solstice and the autumn equinox. It symbolizes the first fruits of the harvest and pays tribute to the agricultural cycle that sustains us. This festival is a time of gratitude, abundance, and reflection on the bountiful gifts nature bestows upon us.

Honouring the Harvest

As a nature enthusiast and a practitioner of pagan traditions, celebrating Lammas has become a cherished part of my life. I take this opportunity to gather with friends and family to create an atmosphere of warmth and gratitude. We might decorate our home with beautiful cornucopias, sunflowers, and dried wheat stalks, although this year I have added wedding bouquets fresh from a family wedding at the weekend.

We indulge in a feast fit for the season, savouring dishes made from the first harvest – fresh vegetables, ripe fruits, and homemade bread. The act of breaking bread together symbolizes unity and fosters a sense of community and togetherness. In a subtle twist to the traditional celebration, we share homemade pizza, a personal favourite for me and my girls.

Sacred Rituals

Rituals play a central role in pagan Lammas celebrations. People gather in a circle, paying homage to the sun god Lugh, who generously bestows his energy upon the land and sustains the crops. Through chanting, singing, and dancing, they channel their gratitude for the abundance surrounding them and set their intentions for the coming autumn season.

As the sun sets, you could create small lanterns made from gourds and fill them with written wishes and dreams. Light these lanterns, sending your desires out into the universe, and watch them drift away into the night sky. It is a magical and profound moment, reminding us of the cyclical nature of life and the interconnectedness of all things.

A Dual Celebration

This year, Lammas holds an even more special significance for my family as it coincides with my youngest daughter, Georgina's 10th birthday. Born on this auspicious day, Georgina has always embodied the spirit of Lammas – a radiant and vibrant soul, full of curiosity and creativity.

As the day unfolds, we come together to celebrate not only the harvest but also the gift of life bestowed upon us with Georgina's birth. Amidst the merriment, we sing "Happy Birthday Georgina, my little Lammas baby!" and present her with gifts that resonate with her love for nature and the magical world.

My Little Lammas Baby

Lammas is a festival that allows us to honour the cycle of life, from the fruitful abundance of the land to the joyous occasion of welcoming new life into the world. As SpookyMrsGreen, I relish in the opportunity to celebrate this sacred time with my family, connecting with nature's rhythms and embracing the love and joy that radiates from my daughter as she grows older.

On this Lammas, let us all pause, express our gratitude for the blessings in our lives, and welcome the autumn season with open hearts and open arms. Happy Lammas and a very special Happy Birthday to Georgina, my little Lammas baby!