Usually with a communal meal. Traditionally this was the time of 'Harvest Home' and it was important to celebrate and be thankful. Those less fortunate than ourselves should benefit, now. First fruits were offered, and in Christian Way, this was adapted as 'Harvest Festival'. During a special service, food is brought to church, to be distributed later to those who may benefit. Corn dollies are woven from the corn at this time, and kept through the winter to ensure a good crop next year. Because of the background image of collecting the corn, any bread made at this time is part of the thanksgiving, and need not be a special type, although in some places it is traditional to plait the loaf.
Lammas is a Quarter Day, a significant time in the rural calendar. Harvest is celebrated now, and we begin to think about gathering in against the winter. It doesn't actually involve otters, sorry! But the image of the otter and the fish work for me as part of the Circle and all that that implies. This wood-carving is at Ardmore Ferry point, Isle of Barra, where otters, fish and sheep are plentiful. People wait for the ferry here in a windswept carpark. A small un-manned building (never locked, always clean, never vandalised) contains good seats (inside and out), clean toilets and a vending machine, as well as a Freephone to call Caledonian MacBrayne (the ferry operator) with any enquiries. It's easy to miss this sculpture, which is situated on the seaward side of the building. Many people never leave their cars and the carpark, which is a shame, but it does seem right that this is where the otters and their prey should be. Whiskers are right to twitch! blessed be xx
Thanks so much for the explanation....sounds like a lovely tradition. I also enjoyed the brief verbal tour of Ardmore Ferry Point, which seems like a place worth visiting! ...I'd certainly want to leave the car and explore :0)
Comments 10
Reply
Reply
(The comment has been removed)
(The comment has been removed)
Traditionally this was the time of 'Harvest Home' and it was important to celebrate and be thankful. Those less fortunate than ourselves should benefit, now. First fruits were offered, and in Christian Way, this was adapted as 'Harvest Festival'. During a special service, food is brought to church, to be distributed later to those who may benefit.
Corn dollies are woven from the corn at this time, and kept through the winter to ensure a good crop next year.
Because of the background image of collecting the corn, any bread made at this time is part of the thanksgiving, and need not be a special type, although in some places it is traditional to plait the loaf.
Reply
xx
Reply
I love the sculpture.
Lammas blessings to you too.
Reply
xxx
Reply
Reply
Reply
It doesn't actually involve otters, sorry! But the image of the otter and the fish work for me as part of the Circle and all that that implies.
This wood-carving is at Ardmore Ferry point, Isle of Barra, where otters, fish and sheep are plentiful. People wait for the ferry here in a windswept carpark. A small un-manned building (never locked, always clean, never vandalised) contains good seats (inside and out), clean toilets and a vending machine, as well as a Freephone to call Caledonian MacBrayne (the ferry operator) with any enquiries.
It's easy to miss this sculpture, which is situated on the seaward side of the building. Many people never leave their cars and the carpark, which is a shame, but it does seem right that this is where the otters and their prey should be.
Whiskers are right to twitch!
blessed be
xx
Reply
Reply
Leave a comment