On August 1, pagans around the world celebrate a significant festivity known as Lammas or Lughnasadh. This ancient festival marks the beginning of the harvest season and is often associated with the deity Lugh, who was honored in Celtic mythology. Lammas, which means "loaf-mass" in Old English, is a time to give thanks for the first fruits of the harvest and reflect on the cycle of life and death. Many pagans gather in nature during this time to perform rituals, make offerings, and connect with the earth and its abundance. The main focus of the festival is the baking of bread, a symbolic representation of the harvest and the fruits of labor. It is customary to make a loaf of bread using the first grains harvested, and then share it with loved ones and the community.
While some might argue the Bell Witch isn’t an actual witch but a poltergeist, I beg to differ. This terrifying tale started in the early eighteen hundreds in a small town in Tennessee with a family by the last name Bell. The Bell family was tormented by a disembodied voice and a spirit that could cause literal physical harm. The haunting became so famous nationwide, that even Andrew Jackson came to investigate and found it to be eerily true. But who was the Bell witch, exactly? The theory goes that a local woman felt her property was stolen by John Bell, the patriarch of the Bell family, and sought revenge by sending her astral double to torment and terrify the Bell family. Read more here.
If you ve ever read The Haunting of Hill House, or if you ve even seen the movie or TV series based on her work, you ll know just how magical this woman truly was. His work is widely known through the witchcraft and pagan community, including his series the Inner Temple of Witchcraft and the Outer Temple of Witchcraft.
It is customary to make a loaf of bread using the first grains harvested, and then share it with loved ones and the community. In addition to bread-making, various activities are carried out during Lammas to commemorate the occasion. These can include crafting corn dollies, organizing feasts, dancing, storytelling, and conducting ceremonies to honor the deities associated with the harvest.
15 Famous Witches to Summon For an Unforgettable Halloween Costume
Hadley Mendelsohn was the Associate Editor at MyDomaine for two and a half years before joining the House Beautiful team as the Design Editor. She covered a wide range of topics including interior design, beauty, and more.
Updated on Apr 14, 2021Witches have long been persecuted throughout history. During the grim Middle Ages, many women and children were executed for allegedly practicing witchcraft, which was actually just a term for alternative forms of worship and anything that fell outside the pale of the dominant culture of the times. At some point, however, the witch's reputation as an evil, dangerous outcast shifted to symbolize feminine power. Some trace the shift back to second-wave feminism which began during the 1960s and then again to the Riot Grrrl era of the '90s.
Whenever it started, we're definitely still here for it—like on Halloween, when broomsticks and pointy hats are on display everywhere. We're celebrating our 15 favorite famous witches from mythology and folklore, retro-television shows, and contemporary media. Some are scary, some stylish, and some are feminist icons. Get to know these cool witches and then decide who you want to summon on Halloween.
01 of 15Lammas is a time of gratitude and celebration, as pagans express their appreciation for the bountiful gifts of the earth. It is a reminder of the interdependence between humans and nature, highlighting the importance of sustainable living and respecting the natural world. Overall, the August 1 pagan festivity known as Lammas is a joyous occasion where pagans come together to honor the harvest, give thanks, and connect with the cycles of nature..
Reviews for "Welcoming the Harvest: August 1 Pagan Festivity and Agriculture"
1. John - 2 stars - I attended the August 1 pagan festivity and was sorely disappointed. The festival promised an immersive experience into pagan rituals and traditions, but it fell short in delivering that. The organizers seemed more focused on creating a commercialized event, complete with overpriced merchandise and tacky decorations. The performances felt forced and lacked authenticity. Overall, it was a letdown and I would not recommend it to anyone seeking a genuine pagan festival experience.
2. Sarah - 1 star - The August 1 pagan festivity was a complete waste of time and money. The whole event felt disorganized and poorly planned. There were long queues for everything, from entering the venue to purchasing food and drinks. The supposed pagan rituals felt more like a chaotic spectacle rather than a meaningful spiritual experience. The lack of proper information and guidance made it difficult to understand the significance behind the activities. I left feeling frustrated and cheated out of my expectations for a memorable pagan celebration.
3. Alex - 2 stars - As someone who has attended many pagan festivals, the August 1 event left much to be desired. The organizers seemed more interested in marketing the festival to the general public rather than catering to the specific needs and interests of pagan practitioners. The workshops and talks were shallow and lacked depth, making it difficult to gain any real knowledge or insights into pagan traditions. The overall vibe of the festival was more like a cultural appropriation rather than a genuine celebration. I was left feeling disappointed and would not attend again.
4. Emily - 1 star - The August 1 pagan festivity was a complete disaster. The timing and coordination of the activities were off, leading to conflicting schedules and missed opportunities to participate in key events. The lack of proper sound systems made it hard to hear the speakers and performers, and the overall atmosphere felt chaotic and overwhelming. There was a significant lack of respect for the pagan community, with offensive costumes and disrespectful behavior from some attendees. It was a deeply disappointing experience and I would strongly advise against attending this event in the future.
5. Daniel - 2 stars - While the August 1 pagan festivity had some moments of interest, I found it overall underwhelming. The promised immersion into pagan rituals felt superficial and lacked depth. The workshops and discussions provided limited insights into pagan beliefs and practices. In addition, the high ticket prices and expensive food and drinks made it feel like a cash grab rather than a genuine celebration of pagan culture. Overall, I left feeling unsatisfied and wouldn't recommend this festival to anyone seeking a true pagan experience.