For Saint Barbara's Day, Sow Wheat And Lentils

December 4th, Saint Barbara's Day, is also the day when we sow wheat and lentils in pretty decorative bowls. This Provençal tradition, originating from an ancient fertility ritual, is an opportunity to share a fun activity with your children. You can then use your plantations to decorate the Christmas crib or the Christmas Eve table.

When is Saint Barbara's Day?

In the Christian calendar, Saint Barbara is celebrated on December 4, at the beginning of the Advent season. St. Barbara, a young Christian woman who lived in the 14th century, became the Patron Saint of artillerymen, artillerymen, miners and firemen.

Now, according to a tradition still practiced in Provence, on this day, one must sprout wheat grains or lentils in beautiful cups.

Among the Christmas preparations that bring together young and old around ancient traditions, sowing the wheat of Saint Barbara is a fun activity that usually delights children.

Where does this tradition come from?

The origins of this tradition are said to date back to Greek and Roman antiquity where fecundity rituals were practiced.

According to ancient beliefs, wheat in the grass represented the first fruits of the harvest, and a good germination of wheat in the heart of winter augured abundant crops for the following year.

The celebration of Saint Barbara on December 4 is still associated today with the notion of fertility, if we are to believe the proverb: 'Well-sprouted Saint Barbara's wheat is a symbol of prosperity for the coming year'.


How to make this seedling?

Today, St. Barbara's wheat has become a decorative element for the Advent and Christmas season.

Start by choosing pretty cups or small plates.
According to Christian tradition, you should prepare three cups, symbols of the Trinity.

Line their bottoms with cotton and place a thin layer of wheat grains or lentils.
Water copiously and place your cups in the light.

The seeds will germinate quickly and give beautiful green shoots, as long as you remember to wet the cotton regularly.

Be careful not to leave excess water in your cups, however, as your plantings may rot!

On Christmas Eve, tie red ribbons around the seedlings and place these cups as decorations at each end of the table or around the nativity scene.


How to do a good deed as a bonus?

By purchasing your wheat grain to continue the tradition of St. Barbara's wheat, you can support the Operation 'Wheat of Hope'.

This association aims to collect, through the sale of small bags of wheat, funds that will be used to purchase equipment (medical, educational, audiovisual, computer) for hospitalized children.