30/07/26 - Lammas in Halesowen

Early HarvestI might be two days early for Lammas - but tell that to the strange weather. All the circumstances for a pilgrimage walk. The farmers are actually harvesting today - and I find an oak to eat my ham sandwich under. I neither have a loaf nor companions to complete the ritual as directed. August brings Lughnasadh (or Lammas), the ancient Celtic festival of the first harvest, celebrated on 1 August. Lammas, from the Old English hlaf-mæsse ("loaf mass"), marks the baking of bread from the new grain and giving thanks for the harvest. This is the time for bread baked from new grain, for gathering berries on hedgerow walks, for songs of John Barleycorn, the spirit of corn who must die so we might live.Pilgrimage at Lughnasadh is earthy and practical, when you can bring a loaf, break it with your companions beneath an oak, and share it together.Harvest SpecialI'm in Halesowen - a new Adventure Lab Cache, a local walk in Country Walking Magazine and a lunchtime visit to CAMRA's…