Now comes the time of the harvest. Summer is at it’s height and the abundance of nature is evident. Fields and farm stands are overflowing, the days are long and hot.

It’s Lammas, the first of three harvest festivals. One of the eight honored holidays on the Wheel, it is a time also to express gratitude for the abundance of nature, and a time of celebration and high feasting. Though Lammas is a name coined by Christians who sought to integrate this pagan festival into Europe’s religion du jour, the name still carries significance and it’s traditions are based solidly upon pagan practices. Translated literally as “loaf mass”, Lammas was also known to the Celtic as Lughnasadh, to the Streghe (witches) of Italy as Cornucopia and Thingtide in the Teutonic.

In lore, Lughnasadh comes to us from the Gaelic, referring to the feast celebrating the games of the Irish sun god, Lugh (pronounced Loo). If we read the lore correctly, we find that Lugh is actually commemorating the death of Taillte, his foster mother. Thus, the Lughnassadh celebrations are often called the Tailltean Games in Ireland.

This season, why not honor the old ways? Celebrate as the ancients did by marking the day traditionally. Pick fresh produce at a local farm then incorporate your bounty into your Lammas meal and recipes. Find the time to wander into a meadow or into your own back yard; there give thanks for all that nature provides. If creating a traditional Lammas loaf from scratch is not your forte, and a box mix and bread machine is simply not within your reach, the local bakery remains a reliable source for whole grain breads. Make or purchase one for your altar and one for your Lammas table.

Walk through fields and orchards, seek out springs, creeks, ponds, streams and lakes. Now is a heady and significant time - summer is at it’s height and the bounty of the earth is ours! As the day comes to a close, light some Lammas incense and candles, choose a piece of carnelian. Then find to a quiet place to meditate or convene with nature spirits, reflecting upon the day, it’s traditions and giving thanks to Mother Earth for her bounty.

A Traditional Lamas
Pagans of old celebrated Lammas with foods that included apples, berries, grains, breads and fresh vegetables. Incense commonly used to align oneself with the energies of Lammas were rose and sandalwood, while the gemstone carnelian remains an excellent representation of the day both in color and energetically.

Try adorning your altar with an authentic cornucopia; find empty cornucopias or raw materials at the craft store. Alternately, create your own original display by arranging fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers among Lammas candles on your altar. Lammas candles are red, orange, yellow and brown, representing the sun, the earth, nature and the harvest.

Begin now, drying the herbs required to stock your magical cupboard, before the onset of Autumn. Adorn your home with the colors of Lammas; set out pots of flowers, place a wreath upon your door.

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Dates of Celebration
Many modern day Pagans recognize Lammas on July 31 - August 1 is An alternate date, still honored by some covens and known as Old Lammas, is August 5, when the sun reaches 15 degrees Leo.Lughnassadh, the Celtic festival which honors the Sun God, is held on August 7.

The High Tides Of Summer: A Lammas Poem
Incense and candle
moonlight glow
Stars above
Earth below

Summer’s tides
wax again
fruit and foliage
flower and grain

In wood and meadow
a fairy throng
Within abode
a hearthside song

Sprinkling of herbs
at doorway’s edge
In sacred space
to weave the hedge

Fireflies bright
Spirit strong
offering in silence
this ancient song -
-Autumn Moon Gazer