But what is Lammas, and how can we bring this beautiful seasonal celebration into our modern lives today?
What is Lammas Day?
Lammas Day, celebrated on 1st August, marks the "loaf mass" — a traditional festival of the first wheat harvest of the year. The word Lammas comes from the Old English hlāfmæsse, literally meaning "loaf mass", referring to the practice of baking a loaf from the first flour of the season and offering it in thanks.
Though rooted in Christian customs, Lammas has pagan origins closely tied to the Celtic festival of Lughnasadh, honouring the Irish god Lugh, a deity of light, skill, and the harvest. Both traditions mark the start of the vital harvest season — a time of gratitude, gathering, and preparation.
Lammas Week: Extending the Celebration
While Lammas Day is officially the 1st of August, Lammas Week (the first week of August) is often observed with a series of community activities. It was once common for village fairs, games, and feasting to take place during this time, honouring the abundance of the earth and the hard work of farmers and bakers alike.
Traditional Lammas Activities
1. Baking Bread from Scratch
The central tradition of Lammas is baking a homemade loaf. Traditionally, this would be made from the season's first harvested grain and taken to church to be blessed. You can revive this lovely ritual by baking your own Lammas loaf — perhaps shaping it with a sheaf or corn motif.
2. Visiting Local Farmers’ Markets
Lammas is all about local abundance. Spend time at a nearby farmers' market or pick-your-own farm. Buy seasonal fruit and veg such as blackberries, courgettes, tomatoes, and early apples.
3. Hosting a Harvest Meal
Invite friends or neighbours over for a seasonal feast. Include fresh breads, hearty grain salads, roasted root vegetables, and berry-based desserts.
4. Making Corn Dollies
An old English tradition, corn dollies were woven from the last sheaf of wheat to house the spirit of the harvest and ensure good luck for the year to come. Try your hand at weaving simple shapes, or create a decorative Lammas centrepiece for your table.
5. Nature Walks and Gratitude Rituals
Lammas is a time to be mindful of nature’s cycle. Go for a walk in the countryside, collect wildflowers or seeds, and reflect on what you’re grateful for — not just in food, but in life.
Modern Lammas: Ideas for Today
Start a Gratitude Journal — reflect on the 'harvests' in your own life: achievements, relationships, or personal growth.
Create a Lammas altar — with seasonal produce, grains, candles in amber and gold tones, and symbols of the sun or wheat.
Volunteer at a local food bank — honour the spirit of community and sharing that defines Lammas.
Try a foraged food recipe — such as nettle soup, elderberry syrup, or blackberry crumble.
Share a post on social media about Lammas traditions — reviving awareness of seasonal festivals helps preserve our cultural heritage.
Bringing Back a Forgotten Festival
In our fast-paced, digital world, taking time to observe the seasons and celebrate nature’s bounty can be grounding and fulfilling. Lammas reminds us of our connection to the land, the value of community, and the importance of sharing what we have.
Whether you bake a simple loaf of bread or spend the week engaging in gratitude and giving, celebrating Lammas can bring a sense of rootedness and joy to early August.
Have you ever celebrated Lammas or another harvest festival? Share your experiences and traditions in the comments below, and don’t forget to tag us in your Lammas loaf pics! #LammasWeek #LoafMass #HarvestCelebration