Lammas: Celebrating Fruits of the First Harvest

by Paul Mason and Anna Franklin

Celebrate the Fruits of the First Harvest Once a prominent Celtic festival known as Lughnasa (from the Gaelic "nasad," games or assembly, of "Lugh," a Celtic deity and hero), Lammas is a joyful... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0738700940
• ISBN13: 9780738700946
• Release Date: June 2001
• Publisher: Llewellyn Publications
• Length: 276 Pages
• Weight: 1.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 7.6" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Complete, Scholarly, Practical and Fun

It is true that the Llewellyn series of books on the pagan Sabbats is a mixed bag with some of the eight books being light-weight, some being useful and some, as in this case, being excellent in every way. Each of the books should be judged on an individual basis. This title has a thorough introduction and much history and lore on the subject of the pagan holiday or Sabbat called Lammas or Lughnasadh. The writing is engaging and well-researched and very informative. It discusses among others the customs of well dressing, Telltown marriages, handfastings, and Highland games. It provides good detail on the myth of the Celtic god Lugh from whom one name for this holiday is derived. It discusses similar harvest festivals and practices from other cultures around the world. It provides a well-rounded view of this holiday and does not depict it only as a harvest festival but includes the lesser-known aspects of competition, gaming, warrior activities, divination and the lore of the Ash tree. Even a well-read and experienced pagan is likely to find new and interesting insights in this book. It contains a good section on Lammas traditional foods that include Boxty Scones that I can personally attest to as being delicious. The craft section of this book has many seasonal crafts that are fun and easy, including the familiar and traditonal craft of making corn dollies. There are recipes for making incense and herbal dyes. The chapter on Warrior magic is filled with evocative and colorful crafts as well. Several simple but meaningful rituals are also included, adaptable for personal Sabbat celebrations. The book is thorough and though not a beginner's book, certainly helpful and easily understood. It makes keeping this Sabbat a deeper experience and I think it will be much appreciated by the serious pagan. It is an interesting look at lesser-known cultural customs even for the non-pagan and can aid significantly in one's appreciation of the subtle turning of the wheel of the year.

Definately *not* "Pagan Lite"!

As a matter of fact, this is one of the most scholarly books in this series, by English Traditional Witch, Anna Franklin. It goes into leangth in researching the Celtic God, Lugh, for whom this Sabbath is dedicated. Using many historical sources & very olde poetry which gives new & fascinating insight into the myths & lore which surround not only Lughnasadhe, but thisn Celtic God. As well as some very obscure folk lore surrounding it, as well. And, any book which deals with the sabbaths really ought to contain recipes, crafts & games, etc. As, there were a part of our ancestors feastivities back in the day. And, I believe that the SERIOUS STUDENT *will* find that it is quite in depth & informative. Even showing links that Lugh has connections with other Sky/Lightning Gods accrossed the ocean & via several written sources, etc. So, I believe that the previous "review" was not very well informed, as it does not appear they have read the book. Especially the historic & scholarly content, nearer the front.

A Pagan Must Have!

This is the most comprehensive book on a Wiccan festival that I have ever read. It goes deep into the lore and origins of the festival, and talks about the real origins of the celebrations, unlike most books that just pass it off as 'a festival of first fruits'. The legends of Lugh/Llew or closely examined, plus all of its folklore and history, which give an amazing glimpse into its meaning, rather than just being quaint window dressing as they so often are in books of this kind. Then the book goes on to being of real use to a Wiccan/Pagan celebrating Lammas, with rituals, ritual activities including traditional games and contests and warrior magic, plus spells and charms of the traditional variety. Well done the authors!

A good book that covers the whole subject

This is the first book on the festival of Lammas, or Lunasa, as we call it round here that deals with the entire subject. Usually you get the harvest festival stuff, first fruits and so on. The hunting and fighting part has gone out of the window with lots of writers. This one is different. It actually includes all the elements and makes interesting reading. There's also lots of things to do and make for the day, which is very helpful. I think I should point out that there's a misprint though - fried basil on page 100. I think that should be dried basil.

Best Book of The Series

I agree with the previous reviewer. I bought the other titles in this Llewellyn series, but this is the best one so far with real information for grown ups. I have never been able to find a book on Lughnasadh, and most books just say that it the festival of Lugh and the first harvest, but this book tells you loads! I didn't know about the connection with the Dog Days, or the festivals of various vegetaion gods and a whole load of other stuff that is in here. The rituals are real ones too, though the book seems to have had to follow the pattern Llewellyn have laid down for the series with spells and recipes included which I would have gladly foregone. When will they treat us witches and Pagans like grown-ups? We're not all teen witches.