Lammas which is on the 1st of August is observed as the first harvest festival. The Autumn Equinox will be the next harvest, when we will gather fruit and berries. This continues until Samhain, which signals the start of the winter months, when we will harvest nuts and berries.
Pagans would celebrate this harvest and with it the circle of life – birth, life, death, and rebirth. At this point of the Wiccan Wheel of the Year the Sun God would radiate his power into the crops. In doing so he would sacrifice himself, when the crops were harvested. His power then lying dormant in the seeds. Ready to rise again in the spring, once they had been sewn. Early Christians also celebrated this festival and gave it the common name of Lammas – which means loaf mass. Loaves of bread were made from the first harvest and were given to the church in thanks.
This was also the time that the Celts would worship Lugh the Sun god. Also known for his craftsmanship and skill. They would remember the games that he held in honour of his deceased mother. Celebrating with their own games, feasts, and bonfires. While showcasing their own skills and craftsmanship at markets and fayres that were held.
When celebrating Lammas we need to consider our ancestors, and why this festival was so important to them. They had to dedicate themselves and work tirelessly for their food. They had to prepare the land, sew the crops, nurturer, harvest then process and preserve their crops. Just to put food on the table for their families. While always looking ahead to prepare for the next year. We should therefore give thanks at this time for the everyday things that we take for granted and the abundance in our lives.
Reflection
As I look out onto my garden I marvel how lush the trees are and how beautiful each individual flower is. The fields around me are full and the harvest will soon be here. All of this abundance is due to the foundations that have been put down at the beginning of the year. By Mother Nature, farmers and gardeners – not just relying on chance and now we are reaping the benefits.
This is something that we should consider when living our own lives.
Ask yourself are you laying down the foundations so that you can thrive?
Do you want to reap the benefits or leave things to chance? Life can send us rainy stormy days, but if we lay the foundations we can weather the storm and flourish.
Blessing
May your harvest be bountiful and sustain you through the cold winter months ahead.
May the love of friends, family and the Goddess warm you always.
– Source Pinterest
