Lamas
Lammas (also known as Lughnasadh (Celtic), Cornucopia (Strega), Thingtide (Teutonic) is the First Sabbat (of Three) in celebration of the fruits of the harvest. The Sun King, now Dark Lord, gives his energy to the crops to ensure life while the Mother prepares to give way to her aspect as the Crone. Now is the time to teach what you have learned, to share the fruits of your achievements with the world. Wheat weaving such as the making of corn dollies is traditional. Bread is baked and the altar is decorated with fruits and vegetables of the harvest.
Lughnasadh means the funeral games of Lugh (pronounced Loo), referring to Lugh, the Irish sun god. However, the funeral is not his own, but the funeral games he hosts in honor of his foster-mother Tailte. For that reason the traditional Tailtean craft fairs and Tailtean marriages (which last for a year and a day) are celebrated at this time.
This day originally coincided with the first reaping of the harvest. It was known as the time when the plants of spring wither and drop their fruits or seeds for our use as well as to ensure future crops.
As autumn begins, the Sun God enters his old age, but is not yet dead. The God symbolically loses some of his strength as the Sun rises farther in the South each day and the nights grow longer.
Lammas Correspondences
Symbolism
Harvesting the bounty of nature, dwindling Energy of the God Aspect and the Sun, approaching Cronehood of the Mother Aspect of the Goddess.
Symbols
Harvest fruits and grains, freshly baked breads, Corn Dollies.
Deities
Any mature aspect of the God, such as Lugh, Mother and Crone Aspects of the Goddess.
Traditional Foods
Apples, Grains, Breads and Berries.
Herbs and Flowers
All Grains, Grapes, Heather, Blackberries, Sloe, Crab Apples, Pears.
Incense
Aloes, Rose, Sandalwood.
Sacred Gemstone
Carnelian, aventurine, citrine, peridot, sardonyx.
Special Activities
As summer passes, many Pagans celebrate this time to remember its warmth and bounty in a celebrated feast shared with family or Coven members. Save and plant the seeds from the fruits consumed during the feast or ritual. If they sprout, grow the plant or tree with love and as a symbol of your connection with the Lord and Lady. Walk through the fields and orchards or spend time along springs, creeks, rivers, ponds and lakes reflecting on the bounty and love of the Lord and Lady.
Candles
Orange, yellow
