Lughnasad
S.H. - 2nd February
N.H. - 1st August
Lughnasad is the first of the three harvest sabbats. The Sun God Lugh is celebrated as he is God of harvest, fire and light. At this time of the year the plants and seeds wither and drop their fruits or seeds for our use as well as to ensure future crops. The God loses His strength as the Sun rises farther in the South each day and the nights grow longer. The Goddess watches in sorrow and joy as She realizes that the God is dying, and yet He lives on inside Her as Her child.
Lughnasad, also known as Feast of Bread and Lammas, wasn't necessarily observed on this day. It originally concided with the first reapings.
As summer passes, Wiccans remember its warmth and bounty in the food we eat. Every meal is an act of attunement with nature and we are reminded that nothing in the universe is constant.
Lughnasad is a time of sacrifice, a time to sacrifice one thing so another might live. Everyday events represent change - death and rebirth. Something must always be sacrificed in order for new possibilities to enter our lives. What is your reason for celebration? Go for a walk or sit quietly and meditate on the gifts you have recieved. Feel the joy, pride and good cheer that are yours. Reflect on your worthiness and welcome gifts coming your way.
Lughnasad Lore:
It is appropriate to plant seeds from the fruit consumed in ritual. If they sprout, grow the plant with love and as a symbol of your connection with the Goddess and God.
Wheat weaving (making corn dollies etc) is an appropriate activity for Lughnasad.
Visits to fields, orchards lakes and wells are also traditional.
The foods of Lughnasad include bread, blackberries and all berries, acrons (bleached of their poisons first) crab apples, all grains and locally ripe produce. A cake is sometimes baked, and cider is used in place of wine.
