Tomorrow, 4th December, is the feast day of Sainte Barbe and, as all good Provencals know, it’s the day to plant the little seeds which will hopefully sprout bright green shoots for the Christmas Eve table.
It’s linked to a fertility myth which hopes that births in a family during the coming year will replace those who die.
The tradition is to tie a red satin ribbon around the pot but people do more 
creative things these days. I like this one by petit-fils Aixcentric who made it at his maternelle.
You can buy the 1 euro pack of seeds at news kiosks and grocery stores but they also are sold in the markets and by individuals with little stalls around town. Most are sold for charity…
Plant tomorrow and with some warmth and sunshine, they will be ready for Christmas.
The local saying is: Quand le blé va bien, tout va bien.
Interestingly, I had to explain this charming tradition to a French friend from the Vendée. It really is a very Provencal Christmas custom!
aixcentric 
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