Lammas / Lughnasadh

Introduction

• “Lughnasadh” (also spelled “Lugnasad”) is pronounced LOO-nah-sah.
• Also called “Lammas” (pronounced LAHmahs), it is held halfway between summer solstice and fall equinox.
• Lammas marks the beginning of the harvest season.
• Common symbols are connected with reaping of corn.
• In addition, there is an image of John Barleycorn, reminding us “that levity, joy and festivity are as much a part of the Wheel and our lives as death and rebirth.” (Popular Pagan Holidays)

Theme Ideas

• Ritual
• Harvest, Bounty
• Gratitude
• Reflection / Self-Study
• Symbols: corn, seeds

BAKE & PREPARE FOOD

Now is the time to celebrate the fruits of your hard work over the spring and summer – literally and metaphorically. Likewise, the feast of Lammas focuses on the grains and fruits that come with the first harvest. For thousands of years, observers have baked bread, placed wheat on altars – even in some Christian churches and Synagogues – and celebrated the sun. Use this time to explore some Kitchen Magick in the form of baking whole-grain bread or cornbread, sweets made with grains, fresh berries, and honey. Foods to enjoy at Lammas: corn, potatoes, honey, summer squash, oats, turnips, popcorn, berries, barley soup, beer, sweets frosted with yellow or orange icing.

– Megan Winkler