Greetings, dear readers! As the wheel of the year turns, we find ourselves at Lammas, the First Harvest Festival. This sacred sabbat, falling on August 1st, marks the midpoint between the summer solstice and the autumn equinox. It's a time to celebrate abundance, gratitude, and the bounties of Mother Earth.
Today, I'm excited to share some ideas and rituals for celebrating Lammas with you, especially as it's extra special because it's also my younger daughter's birthday! Let's dive into the magic and joy of Lammas.
Celebrating Lammas – The First Harvest Festival and my daughter's birthday at SpookyMrsGreen.com
Understanding Lammas
Lammas, also known as Lughnasadh, is a festival dedicated to the Celtic god Lugh, the god of light and craftsmanship. The name "Lammas" comes from the Old English "hlaf-mas," meaning "loaf mass," signifying the first wheat harvest of the season. Traditionally, people would bake a loaf of bread from the first grains and offer it as a token of thanks.
Ways to Celebrate Lammas
1. Baking Bread:
What better way to honour Lammas than by baking your own bread? This simple act connects us to the age-old tradition of celebrating the first harvest. You can make a classic wheat loaf or try something different like a sweet cornbread or a hearty rye. As you knead the dough, infuse it with your intentions and gratitude for the harvest.
2. Harvest Feast:
Celebrate with a meal that highlights the season's bounty. Include fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains. A cornucopia centerpiece, filled with apples, berries, corn, and squashes, symbolizes the abundance of the harvest. Invite friends and family to join in, and make it a joyful, communal affair.
3. Gratitude Ritual:
Create a gratitude ritual to give thanks for the abundance in your life. Gather some natural items like leaves, flowers, and stones. Arrange them in a circle and light a candle in the center. As you meditate, reflect on the blessings you've received and set intentions for the upcoming season.
4. Nature Walk and Foraging:
Take a walk in nature to connect with the earth. Bring a basket and forage for wildflowers, herbs, and berries. These can be used to decorate your altar or as ingredients in your Lammas feast. This activity is also a wonderful way to teach children about the importance of respecting and honouring nature.
5. Crafting Corn Dollies:
Crafting corn dollies is a traditional Lammas activity. These small, symbolic figures made from straw or corn husks represent fertility and the spirit of the harvest. Create your own corn dolly and place it on your altar or in your home as a symbol of protection and abundance.
6. Birthday Magic:
Since Lammas coincides with my younger daughter's birthday, we'll be incorporating birthday magic into our celebrations. I could make a special Lammas-themed birthday cake, perhaps a honey cake or a fruit tart, adorned with seasonal fruits and flowers, but since I'm not a domestic goddess, I'll go with a store bought one. Besides, she doesn't like honey or fruit cake. We will celebrate Lammas in our own special way, with love and laughter at home. It's a wonderful way to blend the celebration of the harvest with the joy of her birthday.
Incorporating Children in Lammas Celebrations
Including children in Lammas festivities can be both fun and educational. Here are some kid-friendly activities:
- Storytelling: Share myths and legends about Lugh, the Celtic god of light.
- Crafting: Create simple crafts like leaf rubbings, nature collages, or sun catchers using items found during your nature walk.
- Cooking: Involve them in baking bread or preparing the feast, teaching them about the ingredients and their significance.
Pause and appreciate the abundance in our lives
Lammas is a beautiful reminder to pause and appreciate the abundance in our lives. Whether through baking, feasting, crafting, or simply spending time in nature, there are countless ways to celebrate this first harvest festival. As we honour the earth's bounty, let's also take a moment to express our gratitude and set positive intentions for the seasons to come.
Wishing you all a blessed Lammas and a magical #WitchyWednesday!
🌾🧙♀️✨
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