In celebration of the first harvest

It's never to early to give thanks to God for harvest blessings! While we may think of Thanksgiving as the traditional time for celebrating the fruits of the land, Lammas Day (known as Lughnasadh on the Celtic calendar) was the time to offer thanks for the first cereal harvest - typically, corn or wheat.

Bread was baked from this first harvest and a loaf was presented at church on August 1 or 2, hence the name "Lammas," from "loaf mass." Festivities of all kinds attended the Lammas celebration. While we are still, one hopes, enjoying our summer holidays, Lammas marks the subtle shift toward that time of year when we honour the evolving cycle of fruition, waning, death, and ultimately resurrection.

Did you know that the word "lord" is derived from the Old English word for "bread keeper?" This reflects the Germanic tradition of a chieftain providing food for his followers. Jesus is indeed our bread keeper throughout every stage of our life, offering sustenance to all who would seek it. See how many references to God feeding and caring for us you can pick up in the Sunday liturgy - and may the Lord be with you!

Photo by Mike Kenneally on Unsplash