Provencal Christmas Tradition

Sainte Barbe and the Christmas Wheat

Repost from year's ago.

 

 

 

 

 

 

On December 4th, the feast of Sainte Barbe, the first Provençal Christmas tradition, takes place in France.

 

 

Growing wheat.  

 

 

First, you find a plate or jar that is waterproof, to place your wheat grains to grow. Then you moisten cotton on the bottom of your container. Next, you thickly scatter grains of wheat on the moistened cotton. I have heard you can use moss to spread your grains, which seems tres chic! I have traditionally used cotton. Every other day you will need to moisten the grains until you see they're full-grown. Also, the grains need to be by indirect light. 

 

 

 

The outcome of the wheat is said to be a symbol of the harvest to come. If the grains germinate and sprout beautifully, it is said that the harvest will be bountiful. If the grain shoots are immature and yellow, poor crops are predicted. If nothing happens...well, maybe you overwatered it or didn't have it close to a light source, or your grains were old. Nevertheless, it isn't a good sign as far as symbols are concerned. It is also said that the growth of the shoots predicts your good fortune for the year to come.

 

 

The sprouting wheat grains are used to decorate the table at Christmas or the creche (nativity scene.) You can see plates of growing wheat in shops, homes, and schools; everyone has a mini wheat field growing, even the post office.

 

 

Annie use to takes hers and plants it in a nearby wheat field; she said that it was also part of the tradition.

Comments

[Diogenes]

Love the photo of the cake plate full of green shoots! And the idea of planting them in the field afterward.

[Jeanne]

A beautiful tradion. I love all you share with us
Love Jeanne

[Jeanne]

We do something the same in the Hungarian tradition

This is called Luca's wheat. It is a Hungarian tradition. You plant some wheat at the 13th of December (it is Luca's nameday) and it will grow in just 11 days

Hugs

[Diane Belforte Lewis]

So interesting, a lovely tradition. Thinking of you and hoping you're feeling better today. xo

[Cathleen]

Dear Corey, I do this also. I love this tradition. It's such fun to hopefully watch it grow for a bountiful year. Have a blessed Christmas and all the best in the New Year.