Lughnassadh is the first of three harvest festivals. It is the grain harvest, Lammas, “The Loaf Mass”, as it was later called in Europe as the pagan celebrations were being absorbed into Christian celebrations.
The Lord of the grain sacrifices himself to provide for our survival. The earth provides us with the nourishment we need to continues living. This is the time of “Thanks Giving”.
One of the grains that are harvested at this time is "corn", any hard kernel. The Goddess is in her Mother aspect, The Corn Mother, as at Imbolg, The Corn Maiden, in her Maiden aspect. When the corn is harvested, husks or grains are made into a doll, dress as the Harvest Mother/Goddess. This doll would then be blessed, giving that blessing to the harvest and crops while overseeing the harvesting. Grains of the corn/grain would be saved with the corn doll for insurance of the crops to be planted in the following spring.
Other tales state the corn doll would be given away, as if the Goddess were angered by the harvesting of the fields, the “curse” would then be in someone else’s hands. This is less commonly thought of or used in context. Most accept the concept of the Mother Goddess as giving and nurturing.
The Grain Lord sacrifices himself in the grains of wheat, rye, oat, and so on, as they are harvested. It provides the substance of life. Reserving the best grains of the harvest for planting in spring for continual crops come spring also symbolizes the God’s seeds to impregnate the Earth Goddess, producing food and marking the continuation of life. We give thanks to the Lord for his sacrifices to our survival.
Most rites at this time are feasting and full of joyous celebration. This is also the beginning of gift giving, sharing the bounties of our lives with friends and family.
