LAMMAS OR LUGNASADH CELEBRATION

[Carol Anne Kincaid~Paradis]

August 1 is Lammas or Lughnasadh celebration in the northern hemisphere. The day when we start reaping what we have sown. We can start enjoying the fruits of our labor and celebrate the fruition. In the southern hemisphere, nature is midway between winter solstice and spring equinox, which in the wheel of the year marks Imbolc, the time when the sun is growing stronger and being rebirthed.

The Lammas celebration is connected to the grain, which holds an important role in ancient civilizations. In Sumerian stories, the god Tammuz was killed, and his lover goddess Ishtar was mourning and grieving so much that nature stopped growing.

At this time, the Celtic god of light, Lugh, was celebrated. The Sun god used to transfer his powers into the grains and therefore sacrificed himself in order to give us nourishment through the grains.

This is about death and rebirth, as we are moving into darker days in the northern hemisphere, the light is "dying" and resurrects in the spring again. Decoration for this celebration are dried grains, early fall veggies, apples, peaches and plums.

It is a feast celebration and bread is at the centre of the feast. We can celebrate and honor that which has given us life and nourished us and replant the seeds from that which we have already consumed. Great rituals can be practiced outside, or just by walking around in the woods, close to lakes or rivers and just be grateful for the beautiful nature.

How are you feeling and celebrating this point of the cycle? 

Good After Noon...Happy Trails..