Our Lammas altar from 2023
As the wheel of the year turns, we find ourselves approaching Lammas, a festival that marks the beginning of the harvest season. Celebrated on or about 15° Leo (August 6th, 2024), the First Harvest, also known as Lammas or Lughnasadh, is a time of gratitude, abundance, and communal effort. It is an opportunity to come together, celebrate the fruits of our labor, and extend a helping hand to those in need.
Our Lammas bonfire from 2023.
The Significance of Lammas
The name “Lammas” is derived from the Old English term “loaf-mass,” symbolizing the first loaf of bread made from the newly harvested grain. It is a time to honor the Earth’s bounty and give thanks for the abundance we receive. Traditionally, communities would come together to share their harvest, ensuring that everyone had enough to sustain them through the coming months.
In many pagan traditions, Lammas is also a time to reflect on personal growth and the seeds we have sown in our own lives. It is a celebration of hard work, perseverance, and the rewards that follow.
Corn dollies symbolize our sacrifices throughout the year.
The Tradition of Giving
The spirit of giving is deeply embedded in the Lammas celebration. Just as our ancestors shared their harvests to ensure the well-being of the entire community, we too can make a significant impact by sharing what we have with those who are less fortunate. In modern times, this tradition of giving has taken on new forms, such as food drives and charitable events.
At Weavers of the Web, we are committed to upholding this tradition through our annual Lammas food drive. This year, we are once again partnering with the Pagans In Need food pantry to support those in our community who are facing food insecurity.
Supporting Pagans In Need
Pagans In Need is a vital resource for many individuals and families in our area. Their mission is to provide food assistance to those who need it most, ensuring that no one goes hungry. However, they rely heavily on donations from generous community members to continue their important work.
Donations in 2023 reached up to Baldr’s knees!
This Lammas, we are asking everyone who attends our ritual to bring nonperishable food donations to support Pagans In Need. Our goal is to gather enough food to completely bury our beloved mascot, Baldr, in donations. Imagine the impact we can make together – not only in terms of the physical donations but also in the message of solidarity and support we send to those in need.
The Impact of Community Contributions
Every can of food, every box of pasta, and every jar of peanut butter makes a difference. When we come together as a community, our combined efforts can have a powerful impact. Here are just a few ways your contributions help:
- Providing Nutritious Meals: Your donations help fill the pantry shelves, providing nutritious meals for individuals and families who might otherwise go without.
- Supporting Vulnerable Populations: Many of those who rely on food pantries are children, seniors, and people with disabilities. Your generosity helps ensure that these vulnerable members of our community have access to healthy food.
- Promoting Community Solidarity: By participating in the food drive, you are taking action on your commitment to the well-being of our community. This act of giving fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose.
How You Can Help
Join us on August 3rd for our Lammas ritual and contribute to our food drive. Bring your nonperishable food donations and help us achieve our goal of burying Baldr in abundance. Here are some ideas for what to bring:
- Canned fruits and vegetables
- Pasta and rice
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Canned soups and stews
- Boxed cereals and oatmeal
- Shelf-stable milk and juice
If you cannot attend the ritual but still wish to contribute, please contact us to arrange a drop-off time for your donations, or bring them by anytime Keys To Manifestation is open (12pm-8pm Wednesday through Sunday).
Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most. Let’s honor the spirit of Lammas by sharing our abundance and ensuring that everyone in our community has enough to eat.
Blessed Lammas to all, and thank you for your generosity and support!