5 Simple Ways to Celebrate Lughnasadh
Celebrate Lughnasadh (Lammas) with five simple, meaningful rituals to honor abundance, first fruits, and the magic of the summer harvest.
In the Northern Hemisphere, August 1st marks the pagan festival of Lughnasadh (pronounced loo-nah-sa), also known as Lammas.
The first of three harvest festivals—followed by Mabon and Samhain—Lughnasadh invites us to pause and honor our first fruits and first grains: all that has grown, ripened, and come to fruition so far in this yearly cycle.
Although the wheel of the year is slowly turning toward autumn, summer is still fully alive. Meadows and fields remain green, fruit continues to ripen on trees and vines, and the world hums with vitality.
Lughnasadh is a time to recognize and magnetize abundance. The earth is offering generously now, and we are invited to notice where our own efforts, intentions, and dreams have begun to bear fruit.
Even a small celebration can help you feel more aligned with nature and more receptive to the beauty and blessings already present in your life. With that in mind, here are five little ritual ideas for a personal Lughnasadh celebration.
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1. Listen to “Summertime” While Drinking a Cocktail
If any song captures the essence of Lughnasadh, it’s George Gershwin’s Summertime. Find a version you love—Janis Joplin’s and Billy Stewart’s are both wonderful—then mix up a favorite summer cocktail.
Relax, listen, and let yourself soften into the abundant energy of the season.
2. Bake Something and Eat It Mindfully
The name Lammas comes from “Loaf Mass,” a celebration of the first grains baked into bread. Honor this tradition by baking something—bread, muffins, cookies, or any baked treat that appeals to you.
As you bake, infuse your food with gratitude and good intentions. When you eat (and perhaps share it), reflect on what you’ve created and accomplished so far this year, and on the generosity of the earth itself.
3. Offer Grain Back to the Earth
One traditional Lughnasadh practice is offering the first portion of the harvest back to the land in thanks. Place a small bowl of grain—such as oats or barley—outside, or gently scatter it on the earth.
As you do, offer heartfelt appreciation. What we give in gratitude has a way of returning to us multiplied.
4. Make a Local Fruit Salad
Lughnasadh is also a festival of first fruits. Visit a local farmer’s market and choose ripe, seasonal fruit grown close to home.
Light a candle as you prepare your fruit salad, and enjoy it slowly, with awareness and gratitude. Sharing it with others makes the ritual even sweeter.
5. Light a Green Candle
A simple green candle can beautifully anchor your Lughnasadh observance. Place it on your altar or somewhere meaningful in your home.
As it burns, reflect on abundance in all its forms—your home, your relationships, your work, your resources, and your personal victories, both large and small.
May Lughnasadh bring you abundance, vitality, and a deep appreciation for all that is already unfolding in your life.
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im at a boarding school where candles and baking arent allowed. any advice?
Sure! Bless a muffin or an oatmeal cookie in sunlight and eat it mindfully while giving thanks for the blessings and bounty of the earth.
As this is a celebration of gratitude for the gifts of the earth, ask the kitchen for some grain or oats, perhaps a piece of fruit or if nothing else, a piece of toast. Take a bit, and then offer the rest back to the earth & the birds , insects , etc.
In the old world , colored candles were not available . This is very modern.
It is more about reverence and “ prayer” than the actual candle.
If your school has trees and grass, find a beautiful spot,sit down with your shoes off, and say “ Thank you “.
If there are grasses or flowers you can take back to your room for a small alter on your desk or dresser. Perhaps even look at beautiful photos of natural gardens and imagine that you are there.
Be creative , and come from the heart.
You’ll still be in tune with all the others celebrating .
I went to a boarding school, so I know the limitations .
You see, there really aren’t any limitations as you can do all these things in your imagination .
Just imagine the beauty of abundace and give thanx.
How about a picnic with a friend or two ?
Enjoy ! Many Blessings ✨✨✨
Thanks! I wear the Celtic Wheel of Time as a necklace and I have never gotten around to celebrating Lugh and Lammas.
Also, Ella Fitzgerald’s “Summertime” is the one I love and used to sing to my daughter when she was a baby ;D so can’t wait to hear it again for this purpose.
Oh, cool on both counts! So glad you’ll be observing this year. Brightest blessings.
Thank you Tess! I love Sam Cooke version of Summertime, it makes me feel sweaty when I listen to it! I’ll follow your advise, blessings!
Blessings to you too, Raquel! And happy summertime.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this post. It brings Lammas slap bang into the world where we may not be able, or even want, to celebrate it in the more traditional communal ways. I love your little rituals and plan to fit each one into Lammas chez Fay x
Thank you Fay! Awesome. Have a beautiful holiday.