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Lammas
by W.Holidays
Lammas, also known as
Lughnasad (Loo-nahs-ah) or Lughnasadh, is an ancient pagan festival
that is still celebrated today on July 31st, August 1st, or 2nd. It is
the time of year when the gifts of summer begin to fade. Fruit drops
from trees as their leaves begin to change colors. Flowers begin to
wither away. In ancient times, it was believed the Gods would begin to
lose their strength. 
Lammas literally translates as
"Loaf Mass" an Anglo-Saxon name given to this festival. Lunasa is Irish
Gaelic for August. It follows that Lammas is the Feast of Bread in
August. It is a time of appreciation for nature, Mother Earth and her
harvests. The festival is named for the Celtic god Lugh, "the shining
one". An ancient Celtic grain god that was sacrificed then resurrected
to honor the Earth Mother Agusta, patron goddess of games and festivals.
Lammas festivals and fairs are still popular although the ritualistic
practices are generally left for the individual rather than at
community gatherings. At these fairs people sell their produce, crafts
are displayed and sold, and games are played (just like your local
county fair). Ballycastle in Northern Ireland celebrates the Oul'
Lammas Fair, chartered in 1606. Activities vary from the sale of sheep
and cattle to fortune telling. In Hungary, it is customary to have
fresh baked bread from the new harvest with a glass of wine. A feast
featuring the harvest is served with oven-baked bread, berries, grapes,
nuts, apples, corn, and grain products. Planting the seeds from the
fruits of the meal are considered to bring continued prosperity.
Set
a table for Lammas much as you would for Thanksgiving with colors of
pumpkin orange, sunny yellow, muted brown, and sage green. Use woven
wheat placements and make a centerpiece of brilliant sunflowers,
assorted nuts, and crabapples. In addition, agates and moonstones will
bring good fortune and joy on Lammas.
A Chant for Lammas
Start the chant in a whisper, growing louder as the chant progresses.
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust,
We shall go as we can and do as we must.
The body may die but the Spirit is free
To do greater wonders, so mote it be.
Ashes to ashes, clay to clay,
We shall seek for our center and find our own way.
The flesh may be blind but the Spirit can see,
The gods within all, so mote it be.
Ashes to ashes, sand to sand,
We will use all our talents to heal our great land.
The flesh may be weak, but the Spirit's in me
Is full with her blessings, so mote it be.
Herbs and flowers associated with Lammas: all grains, grapes, heather, blackberries, sunflowers, nuts, and crabapples.
Incense associated with Lammas: sandalwood and rose.
Colors associated with Lammas: orange, yellow, brown, and green.
Gemstones associated with Lammas: agates and moonstones.
Decorations associated with Lammas: corn dollies, wheat weavings, and grain.
Foods associated with Lammas: breads, apple cider, blackberries, pies, rice, and herbal teas.
Don't forget to
take a look at the food and crafts sections for more ways to
celebrated. Then look through the Celtic section of our Amazon store!
modified: April 28, 2008
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