Lammas Day, also known as Lughnasadh, is a pagan holiday celebrated on August 1st in the Northern Hemisphere. It marks the beginning of the harvest season and is a time to give thanks for the abundance of the land. The name "Lammas" comes from the Old English word "hlafmaesse," meaning "loaf-mass," as this was traditionally when the first loaves of bread made from the new wheat crop were brought to the church to be blessed. In ancient times, Lammas was a time of great festivities and communal gatherings. People would come together to participate in games, dance, and feast on the newly harvested foods. There would be bonfires, music, and storytelling, as well as competitions of strength and skill.
Maeanna Welti (Portland, OR—unceded Chinook Land) is a writer, astrologer and witch. She is the author of the Healing Witch Samhain to Samhain workbook. Maeanna offers readings, coaching, support for ancestral and personal healing, and teaches astrology and the fundamentals of witchcraft.
While this year s rains and changeable weather have left us with an unseasonably green start to the month, the yellows of grain crops are beginning to colour the landscape, and mature wild grasses are also plentiful. Their magick and beauty are subtle, a gentle shift in the air, signaling us that change is coming but that we get to enjoy the magick of this season for a little while longer so we best make the most of it.
There would be bonfires, music, and storytelling, as well as competitions of strength and skill. At Lammas, pagans often make corn dollies, which are straw figures representing the fertility deity. These dollies are hung in homes, barns, or fields as a way to bring blessings and ensure a bountiful harvest.
Lammas Celebrations: What Is It & How to Celebrate By Manifesting Your Dreams
Lammas is the first harvest festival in the Wheel of the Year, the series of seasonal, primarily Celtic festivals that many witches and pagans celebrate throughout the year.
Lammas celebrations, also known as Lughnasadh, occur each year in the northern hemisphere on August 1st, (and in the southern hemisphere on February 1st). Lammas and Lughnasadh celebrations center on the first grain harvest and first fruits of the year so although it is a summer pagan holiday, it is also considered a harbinger of fall.
Lammas is also a time for reflection and introspection. It is a time to pause and give thanks for the fruits of our labor and to express gratitude for the earth's abundance. It is a reminder to stay connected to the cycles of nature and to honor the balance between work and rest, growth and harvest. In modern times, many pagans continue to celebrate Lammas with rituals and gatherings. They may create altars adorned with corn, wheat, and other symbols of the harvest. They may also partake in feasts, bake bread, or make offerings to the land and deities. Lammas is a rich and vibrant pagan tradition that brings people together to honor the earth's bounty and celebrate the cycle of the seasons. It serves as a reminder to appreciate the abundance in our lives and to give thanks for all that we have..
Reviews for "Lammas Day: Pagan Rituals for Connecting with Ancestors"
1. Karen - 1/5 stars - I attended the Lammas day pagan tradition and I was extremely disappointed. The whole event felt disorganized and chaotic. The organizers seemed unprepared and there was a lack of clear instructions or guidance. The activities offered were boring and unengaging. Overall, it was a complete waste of time and money. I would not recommend this event to anyone.
2. John - 2/5 stars - I had high hopes for the Lammas day pagan tradition, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The event lacked proper execution and attention to detail. The activities felt repetitive and didn't provide any real value or excitement. Additionally, the overall atmosphere was dull and lacking in energy. It was a disappointing experience and I wouldn't attend again.
3. Emily - 2/5 stars - I have always been interested in pagan traditions and was eager to attend the Lammas day celebration. However, I was left feeling underwhelmed. The event felt uninspired and there was a lack of creativity in the activities and rituals. It seemed like a missed opportunity to truly engage and educate participants about the significance of Lammas day. I left feeling unsatisfied and wouldn't recommend this event to others seeking a meaningful pagan experience.
4. Mark - 1/5 stars - The Lammas day pagan tradition was a complete letdown. The event felt disorganized and poorly planned. The activities were mundane and repetitive, lacking any real substance. The organizers seemed more interested in making money than providing a meaningful experience. Overall, it was a waste of time and I would not attend again. Save your money and seek out more authentic pagan celebrations.