Herbs and Oils for Lughnasadh
Lughnasadh, often called Lughnasa or Lammas, is the First Harvest Festival of the Pagan Wheel of the Year. There are 8 main Sabbats on the wheel that are celebrations of the sun cycle and seasons. Most people celebrate Lughnasadh on or about August 1st.
Festivities often include gratitude for the summer harvest, great feasts, warrior games, making corn husk dolls, baking bread, and preserving food for the coming winter.
Lughnasadh Herbs
The following herbs are commonly used for offerings and incense to celebrate Lammas.
Alder, Apple, Cedar, Daisy, Frankincense, Juniper Berry, Mullein Leaf, Myrrh Resin, Oats, Parsley, Pine, Sage, Sandalwood, Thyme, and White Oak Bark.
Lughnasadh Oils
The following Essential Oils are often used for anointing oil blends for Lammas.
Cedar, Frankincense, Juniper, Myrrh, Pine, Sage, Sandalwood, and Thyme.
Foods for Lughnasadh Celebrations
Apples, all berries, various breads, potato dishes, harvest soups, fresh salads, seafood, fish, and early meat harvests.
Activities for Lammas Celebrations
However you decide to celebrate this first harvest, I hope that you are able to spend some time outside. Perhaps you can collect some herbs, work in your gardens, or go for a walk and admire nature. Maybe your family or close friends want to create your own tournament of games.
It’s a great time to make bread, try out canning, or share your harvests with your family and neighbors. I know that we have tons of zucchini right now, so I’ll be making some of my Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread. Enjoy my recipe!
Let me know your plans in the comments. What are your traditions? Are you thinking of starting a new one this year?