August 1st is the pagan holiday of Lammas, sometimes celebrated starting at sundown tonight (July 31st) through August 2nd. This is a celebration of the first harvest of the season and the beginning of the harvest. It’s a time of gratitude, dedication, justice, and abundance. Personally, I will be celebrating my Lammas day with green and gold candles anointed with pine and mint oils to give gratitude for the gifts I’ve received in this life and for further abundance for the rest of the season. I’ll also be baking some kind of bread, though I haven’t decided what kind at this point – probably an apple harvest bread since that would suit the season.
It’s also traditional to bake bread at this time of year and, while turning the batter, making wishes for the coming season. Traditionally, each member of the family would take a turn turning the batter and making their wish. Later, the bread is eaten and crumbs (the bounty) are given to the wild birds outside. As the first of the harvest holidays, it is now time to make plans for winter family get-togethers as we all prepare to tough it out through the bitter season. It might not be quite so dramatic where you are, but it is a good reminder to go ahead and schedule those Samhain, Equinox, and Yule time gatherings and make sure everyone is on the same page.
Another tradition is to create corn and corn husk poppets and dolls and writing wishes for good fortune on small pieces of paper tucked inside.
As with other holidays, this one is to be celebrated with family and feasting. So have a merry one of it, and please, celebrate safely!
I’m ALSO planning a Free Lammas day giveaway! Click here to check it out!
How are you celebrating the beginning of Harvest season?
