Lughnasadh ~ Lúnasa ~ Lammas ~ Blueberry Blackberry Wheat Bran Loaf

 

Lughnasadh ~ Lúnasa ~ Lammas, August 1st in the Northern Hemisphere and February 1st in the Southern Hemisphere, is one of four fire festivals in the Celtic year and marks the beginning of harvest season and corresponds with other harvest festivals such as the Welsh festival Gwy Awst, also known as Gathering Day. It also marks the halfway point between Summer Solstice (Litha) and Autumn Equinox (Mabon) and honours the Celtic Sun God Lugh as August is Lugh sacred month because in Irish mythology Lughnasadh was founded by Lugh. According to Lugh's mythology it's a funeral feast and a day of athletic competition also known as funeral games, which commemorates the death of an earth goddess.  

The days are beginning to grow shorter and the sun is beginning to relax and wane and the darker days of autumn and winter are calling. As we gather and reflect over the past months, think fulfillment, abundance and giving thanks while expressing gratitude for nature's abundance and the nurturing spirit of the land. The first harvest emphasizes kindness and generosity.  

Other festivals celebrated around this time are: Lúnasa (Irish), Lùnastal (Scottish Gaelic), Lammas/Loaf Mass Day (Christian), Calan Awst (Welsh) and Puck Fair (Irish, August 10 - 12th, 16th Century), International Friendship Day (August 2nd), International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples (August 9th), International Lefthanders Day (August 13th), the Assumption of Mary (August 15th), Buwan ng Waka (Language Month, Philippines) and South Asian Heritage Month (United Kingdom, July 18th to August 17th), and Saint Bartholomew's Day (August 24th). 

Happy Lughnasadh, Lúnasa and Lammas to all who celebrate! 

Blueberry Blackberry Wheat Bran Loaf 

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1 1/2 cups wheat bran

1 1/2 cups buttermilk or milk

2 large eggs

1/3 cup dark brown sugar

1/4 cup olive oil

1 1/2 cups unbleached all purpose flour (white or whole wheat)

2 tablespoon ground flax seed

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen

1/2 cup blackberries, fresh or frozen

1/4 to 1/2 cup granola, for topping 

Preheat oven to 350ºF (180ºC). Lightly butter and flour a 9 x 5 inch baking loaf tin or loaf baking dish. Line the bottom with baking parchment. Set aside.

In a large bowl combine the wheat bran and buttermilk or milk to soak for 10 to 15 minutes to soften the wheat bran.

After the bran has soaked for the allowed time, add the eggs, brown sugar and oil to the soften wheat bran mixture and whisk together. 

In a medium bowl combine the flour, ground flax seed, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Add the blueberries and blackberries to the flour mixture and gently mix together.

Add the flour mixture to the bran mixture and stir together until just combined. A few dry streaks are fine. 

Pour or spoon the batter into the prepared loaf tin or loaf baking dish. Sprinkle with a granola of your choice, and bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. A few moist crumbs are fine.