This is a time of appreciation for nature and Mother Earth and her harvests. The festival is named for the Celtic god Lugh, the shining one. An ancient Celtic grain god that was sacrificed then resurrected to honor the Earth Mother Agusta, patron goddess of games and festivals. Lammas festivals and fairs are still quite popular although the ritualistic practices are generally left for the individual rather than at community gatherings. Ballycastle in Northern Ireland celebrates the Oul' Lammas Fair, chartered in 1606.
Activities vary from the sale of sheep and cattle to fortune telling.
In Hungary, it is customary to have fresh baked bread from the new harvest with a glass of wine. A feast featuring the harvest is quite appropriate with oven-baked bread, berries, grapes, nuts, apples, corn, and grain products. Plant the seeds from the fruits of the meal for continued prosperity. Set a table for Lammas much as you would for Thanksgiving with colors of pumpkin orange, sunny yellow, muted brown and sage green. Use woven wheat placements and make a centerpiece of brilliant sunflowers, assorted nuts, and crabapples.