Traditionally Lammas, or other
wise known as Lughnasadh, is celebrated on August first, but
if you farm or have a major crop, celebrate when crop is ready
to harvest. Lammas derives its name from Old English,
"Hlafmas," or "loaf-mass". Some sources say Lammas was
originally celebrated by the ancient Druid priests as the
festival of Lughnasadh. Other sources say the two have
completely different origins as well as meanings. In
Christian as well as pagan times, bread was made and offered
in prayer. Bread was also made in the shape of a man to symbolize the God who has been given birth by the Earth Mother. Visit local farms where you can pick your own produce. Show your children where food comes from (not the grocery store.) Another well known tradition, is to make corn dollies from braided straw. This symbolizes the Mother Goddess of Harvest. Traditional, each year a new doll is made (or bought) and the one from the previous year is burned for good luck. Lughnasakh is of Gaelic origin, deriving from the God of all skills, Lugh. On this day we celebrate our work. Gather tools that you use in your work, or find symbols of them. Gather them onto a table and place a candle in the center. Light the candle and say:
Everyone places there hands over their own tools and say either separately or together:
Then gather and discuss what work you've done and what work you have left to do. Most importantly, have fun and spend time with your loved ones.
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revised on 1/27/99
