Lammas has deep roots in Celtic and Gaelic traditions, dating back to pre-Christian times. The name "Lammas" originates from the Old English "hlāfmæsse," meaning "loaf mass." It was a time of giving thanks to the gods for a successful harvest and the first loaf of bread made from the newly harvested grain.

The festival is also associated with the Celtic god Lugh, hence the alternative name "Lughnasadh." Lugh was revered for his skills in craftsmanship, art, and the harvest, making Lammas a celebration of creativity and agricultural abundance.

Lammas falls on August 1st in the Northern Hemisphere, at the midpoint between the summer solstice and the autumn equinox. As the first of the harvest festivals, it honors the fruits of labor and the interconnectedness between humans and nature.

During Lammas, communities would gather to give offerings of gratitude, feast on fresh produce, and partake in various games and festivities. The first loaves of bread were shared, symbolizing the cycle of life and the importance of sustenance.

Host a harvest feast with friends and family, focusing on locally sourced, seasonal foods. Consider baking a loaf of bread or making dishes that include grains, fruits, and vegetables as a tribute to the bountiful harvest.

Craft corn dollies, symbolic representations of the grain spirit, to adorn the festivities. Corn dollies were traditionally woven from the last sheaf of the harvest and kept in the home until the following year's planting season to ensure a good harvest.

Take a mindful walk in nature, observing the signs of the changing seasons. Offer small gifts like fruits or flowers to the land, expressing gratitude for the Earth's abundance and fostering a sense of reciprocity.

Organize Lughnasadh games and activities that celebrate creativity and skill. Compete in friendly contests of art, music, storytelling, or other crafts that reflect the spirit of Lugh.

Create a personal ritual of gratitude, dedicating it to the deities or spirits you honor in your practice. Light candles, burn incense, and offer prayers to express your thankfulness for the blessings in your life.

As we embrace Lammas, let us remember the ancient traditions that connect us with the land and its cycles. This holiday beckons us to celebrate the first fruits of the harvest and express profound gratitude for the sustenance and abundance it brings. Whether through feasting, crafting, or heartfelt rituals, let Lammas be a reminder of the ever-turning wheel of life and the interconnectedness between humanity and the natural world.