Lammas (also known as Lughnasadh) is an ancient Celtic festival which is celebrated in various forms across the world, particularly in Ireland, Scotland, and other Celtic communities. It is typically celebrated on August 1st in the Northern Hemisphere and February 1st in the Southern Hemisphere. This year, In Australia, it falls on the 4th February at 12:27pmAEST.*
Like many Wheel of the Year celebrations, it’s all about food and the earth. Lammas marks the start of the harvest season, as well as the beginning of the “slowing down” of the year. The word Lammas comes from the Old English word “Loaf-mass,” referring to the tradition of making bread from the first wheat harvest of the season. This translation indicates how the ancient traditions were embraced by the church and integrated into Christian rituals and celebrations.
This celebration is also an indication of the peak in our summer weather and the hottest day of the year is often around this date. Brisbane’s latest weather is definitely a testament to that! In some ways this is a good thing because it means we have reached the peak of the heat and can anticipate the cool weather to come as we wind down toward the next phase (the equinox in March).
Now is the time to reap what we have sown earlier in the year. To recognise the value of the great Mother Earth and how, combined with the Sun’s energy, she has provided plenty of the foods we enjoy right now. Being grateful for whatever we receive during this time and sharing our abundance with others is part of what Lammas is all about.
It is also a refection of the masculine energy (sun – brightness) giving way now to the power of the feminine (moon – inward) energy. If we look at the Wheel of the Year as a analogy for our life – it is a time when women become more powerful in their own body/mind/soul. Going beyond the physical strength they are now reaching the prime mental stage – where there powers of discernment, intuition and knowledge are rising. They are moving into their Crone phase of life.
Here’s some ideas on how to celebrate Lammas, by creating or participating in traditional activities:
- Bread-making: baking bread from the first grains of the harvest is a common way to mark the occasion. (something I will be doing)
- Feasting: People gather to enjoy a meal made from the fresh produce of the harvest, such as fruits, vegetables, and grains.
- Decorating an area in your home with symbols of the harvest, such as wheat stalks, fruits, and vegetables.
- Discussion over a meal talking about the harvest and past festivals to celebrate the bounty of the land and to give thanks for the fruits of their labour. If you’re religious you might like to make a special acknowledgement in your prayers at this time of year.
- Spending time in nature, enjoying the beauty of the harvest and appreciating the bounty of the earth. Go for a walk – or just sit and admire nature around you.
- Dancing, singing, and playing music in celebration of the season.
- Bonfires: Lammas is also associated with fire, and many communities light bonfires to mark the occasion – but in Australia – this is not ideal as it is usually peak bushfire season.
- Workshops and classes: Workshops and classes on topics like bread-making, basket-weaving, and other skills are commonly offered during Lammas celebrations.
- For those who practice divination rituals Lammas can be used as a marker to create ritual and plan for the coming year. The rituals are often focused on abundance, harvest, and gratitude.
Everyone celebrates Lammas differently, whether it is a spiritual way or more practical, planning. It’s fun to create your own unique ritual and carry it out each year. Just have some fun and do what feels right and meaningful to you.
How am I going to celebrate?
I am quite busy at this time of year, so won’t be hosting a group activity but will be making sourdough bread, of course, and sharing it with friends and family.
I will also take some time to journal – with plans for the year (yay – this is my reason I haven’t done this yet – was waiting for the right time!) I will add in my thoughts on what is going on for me and the world at this point in time. It’s always interesting to look back on these journallings in the future.
I will also be sharing my starter with anyone who wants to start making their own bread making activity. If this is you – hit me up.