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Now here is a simple recipe for a home made incense that is completely natural and has a sweetish and decisively evocative perfume.
Lughnasadh incense
One spoon of chamomile flowers
One spoon of verbena
Half a spoon of rosemary
A few drops of honey
Before mixing everything together to make your incense, maybe in a mortar, it is fundamental that the herbs are well and truly dried out, exactly as if you were making Lughnasadh perfume sachets.
Another symbol of this festival is the braid of onions. It's one of the reasons why onions and garlic are considered natural lucky charms. This tradition derives directly from ancient popular superstition that states onions and garlic are natural purifiers. Both were used by doctors and healers in ancient times as they were thought to draw in sickness, so much so, that those who would attend to people with the plague would wear slices of onion around their necks or inside their masks to protect them.
Nowadays, the antiseptic and antibacterial benefits to health of these two foods are well-known and an essential part of recipes around the world. In the past, it was believed onions and garlic would keep away evil spirits and vampires. Today, we can still make a braid and hang it on our front door as a protective amulet or, alternatively, insert some onions in a mixed garland where you can add other typical elements of Lughnasadh. A good idea is to work on a garland made from a vine shoot to which you can add garlic, onions, and lavender flowers. With the vine shoot, it is also possible to make other shapes, such as the pentacle. You can use some thread to tie together the shoots and decorate it with seasonal flowers, aromatic herbs, and anything else you like!
Lughnasadh is a particular moment that is favorable for regenerating and recharging your energy through the power of the summer heat. For this reason, it’s best to keep yourself busy outdoors, including little DIY jobs and gardening which will keep you close to nature. For those fortunate enough to have a garden or patio, there is nothing better than a dinner outdoors with friends.
Quick lanterns
Glass yogurt pots, or small glass jars
Coloured tracing paper, or something similar like tissue paper
Vinyl glue and water
Paint Brush
Use some vinyl glue on the outside of the jar with a mixture of half water and half glue to keep the paper in place. Wrap the paper around the glass and let dry. Just add the candle inside and you are ready. A little handy craft that will brighten your table on summer nights.
That's it! I wish you plenty of fun with your Lughnasadh crafts!