One of the original feasts of Thanksgiving, Lammas (loaf-mass day) is an ancient English celebration during which bread from the season's first wheat harvest was consecrated during a Mass. It was customary for parishioners to bring a loaf made from the new crop to church on this day.
The Lammas festival was officially adopted by the Christian Church in 1843. In England, some people still decorate churches with sheaves and corn dollies on this day as they sing "Bringing in the Sheaves" and make offerings of corn to the Church.
Gule of August
In mediæval times the feast was known as the "Gule of August". The meaning of "gule" is unknown, but it has been suggested that it may be an Anglicisation of gwyl aust, the Welsh name for the holiday, meaning "feast of August."
Lammas Fairs
Lammas Fairs are still held annually throughout the British Isles. At the Exeter Lammas Fair, a large, stuffed glove, decorated with flowers and ribbons, is fastened atop a pole and carried about the fairgrounds. It is then placed on the roof of the Guild Hall to signify the opening of the fair.
Suggested Lammas Day Activities
Harvest the first crops of your garden and dedicate them to the Gods. If you don't have a garden, take a trip to a farmer's market or grocery store and purchase some fruit and vegetables.
Bake and share a "Lammas-loaf" using whatever grains are native to your area.
Float flowers at a local creek or pond
Bless a local spring or well and decorate it with flowers
Decorate your home with sickles, scythes, fresh vegetables & fruits, grains, berries, corn dollies, bread.
