Lammas: Honoring the First Harvest with Gratitude and Mindful Living
As the golden light of late summer begins to soften and fields ripen with grain, we arrive at Lammas, or Lughnasadh—a sacred time to pause, reflect, and give thanks for the first fruits of our labor. Traditionally celebrated on August 1st, Lammas is one of the ancient Celtic fire festivals marking the midpoint between summer solstice and autumn equinox.
This is a festival of the first harvest—a moment when communities once came together to gather grain, bake bread, and honor the abundance of the Earth. Today, it invites us to connect with nature’s cycles and the metaphorical harvests in our own lives.
The Symbolism of Lammas
The name Lammas means "Loaf Mass," signifying the ceremonial first loaf of bread made from the season’s grain. In agrarian cultures, this was a time of immense gratitude and also humility—acknowledging that while some crops had ripened, others were still growing, and the work of tending to the land was not yet done.
In the spiritual sense, Lammas invites us to:
Reflect on what is beginning to come to fruition in our lives.
Celebrate our efforts and acknowledge how far we’ve come.
Surrender what is no longer needed, creating space for what is still to grow.
Mindful Ways to Celebrate Lammas
You don’t need to live on a farm or bake your own bread to honor this day. Here are a few simple, meaningful ways to celebrate Lammas and weave its wisdom into your wellness practice:
1. Take Stock of Your “Harvest”
Spend some quiet time journaling. What goals or intentions have you been working on this year? What is starting to bloom? What still needs your care? What can you release?
2. Practice a Gratitude Meditation
Sit outside and tune into the abundance of the season—the scent of herbs, the warmth of the sun, the taste of ripe fruit. Let gratitude flow through your breath and body.
✨ I’ve created a special Lammas meditation just for this occasion—you can watch it on my YouTube channel to support your ritual.
3. Create a Lammas Altar
Use symbols of the season—sunflowers, grains, corn, wildflowers, golden candles. Add personal tokens that represent your growth this year.
4. Nourish Your Body with Seasonal Foods
Eat mindfully, choosing locally grown produce like tomatoes, zucchini, berries, and fresh bread. Make a meal with love, and offer a blessing of thanks before eating.
5. Share and Connect
Whether through a shared meal, a simple phone call, or a written note—celebrate community. Lammas reminds us that no harvest is ever done alone.
Lammas and the Wellness Journey
In many ways, Lammas mirrors our personal growth and healing journeys. We plant intentions, nurture them through action and self-care, and—when the time is right—begin to reap the rewards.
This season is an invitation to slow down, acknowledge your progress, and honor your inner work just as you would a garden that’s finally bearing fruit.
Wherever you are in your journey, remember: not all growth is visible, and not all harvests are immediate. Celebrate the steps, the effort, the seeds you’ve planted—and trust that the rest will come in time.
Wishing you a grounded, grateful, and golden Lammas.
And don’t forget to check out the Lammas Meditation on my YouTube channel to guide you into this beautiful seasonal shift.
With warmth,