Shadowlands' Celebrations: First Harvest

 First Harvest is a fun celebration on our wildlands journey here at Nightwatch Refuge!  It comes to us from the celebration known as Bread Mass (Lam Mass from the Anglo-Saxon word for Bread), and earlier Celtic First Harvest celebrations.  At first glance, this seems like a later agriculture celebration, but the earliest Celtic stories are about the foraging harvest (See the Story of  Tailteann Games and Rendezvous for a wild shadowlands version) and is in truth a remembrance of our Foraging Heritage.  

Example of a First Harvest Blessing:  

"Creator of All, we thank You this First Harvest Celebration.  As we gather here this day, may we always give thanks for the bounty of the land, the roots, the berries, the fruits, and the vegetables that grow in the warm soil and cool rains.  As we eat this feast set out before us and participate in todays festive games, may we never forget those who defended our freedoms to be here in these wild shadowlands. Amen."

Example of Home "Tailteann" Games:

  • Archery - We have done this in the past... and are just prepping our new archery area.
  • Wrestling - This is good if have people similarly weighted, or arm wrestling as my husband and I do for our games.
  • Hammer, Knife, and 'Hawk Throw - We have a log near the archery area we use for tomahawk and knife throwing.
  • Foot Race - Fun at any length or age...just set up so it's fun!
  • Water Race - If near water, compete in a swimming race.
  • Stone Put:  Like shot put, but with a stone.  Traditionally done with an 18lb stone, but we do it with one more like 5 to 7lb at home.
Example of a First Harvest Feast:
  • Blackberry Glazed Salmon
  • Sweet Potato Cakes
  • Roasted Sweet Corn 
  • Smothered(Cheese) Spinach and Mushrooms 
  • Blackberry Cobbler
  • Blackberry, Mint, and Elderberry Shrub in Ginger Ale Soda
First Harvest is a unique celebration here at Nightwatch Refuge as it is a Monsoon season Festival.  With its deep focus on wild foods and foraging, we delight in this first of the harvest celebrations!  Here at the Refuge, like in the story, we tend to play games and feast.  Above I share some examples of food and games, but I would love to hear in the comments about your family's festivities too!

In Umbra Terras,

 Lady Morria

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