Lammas, also known as Lughnasadh, is a pagan festival that marks the first harvest of the year. It is celebrated on August 1st in the northern hemisphere and February 1st in the southern hemisphere. Lammas is a time to honor the abundance and generosity of nature, as well as the fruits of our own labor.
But what does Lammas have to do with tea making? As a tea maker, I believe that Lammas is a perfect opportunity to appreciate the gifts of the tea plant, Camellia sinensis, and to connect with its spirit and energy. Tea is more than just a beverage; it is a sacred plant ally that can offer us healing, wisdom, and inspiration.
Here are some ways that you can celebrate Lammas with tea:
- Harvest some fresh tea leaves from your garden or a local source, if possible. You can also use dried tea leaves that you have stored or purchased. Thank the tea plant for its generosity and offer it some water or compost as a sign of gratitude.
- Brew a cup of tea using your harvested or chosen leaves. As you brew, infuse your intention and blessing into the water and the tea. You can also chant, sing, or play some music to enhance the vibration of your tea.
- Enjoy your tea in a mindful and meditative way. Sip slowly and savor the flavor, aroma, and texture of your tea. Notice how it makes you feel physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. You can also journal, draw, or write a poem about your tea experience.
- Share your tea with someone you love or care about. Lammas is a time to celebrate community and friendship, as well as individual achievement. Invite a friend or family member to join you for a tea ceremony or a casual chat over a cup of tea. You can also donate some tea to a local charity or organization that supports people in need.
- Create a Lammas altar with items that represent the elements of tea making: water, fire, earth, and air. You can use a teapot, a kettle, a cup, a strainer, some tea leaves, some candles, some crystals, some flowers, some incense, or anything else that resonates with you. Arrange them in a way that feels harmonious and beautiful to you. You can also add some symbols of Lammas, such as corn, wheat, bread, fruits, berries, nuts, or honey. Spend some time at your altar and express your gratitude for the gifts of nature and the magic of tea making.
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