After the symbolic acts of reaping that took place at Lammas, people watched their fields for signs that the entire crop was ready for harvest. In Scotland, the harvest ritual was performed by a male head of household, who faced east and made the first sacred cut:
On the day of the feast, at the rising of the Sun With the back of the ear of grain to the east I go forth, with my sickle under my arm And I reap the first cut I will let my sickle down While the fruitful grain is in my hand I will raise my eyes upwards And turn on my heel swiftly Turning right, as the Sun also travels From east to west, and from north to south I give thanks for the growing crops upon the ground Bless each ear and handful in the sheaf. |
© This page is for the enjoyment of visitors to Llewellyn.com, and is the copyrighted intellectual property of Llewellyn Worldwide Ltd. You may post a link to this page, but no part of it may be used or reproduced without permission.