Your Garden in Advent: St Barbara's Twigs and Little Green Wonders
Seasons and Traditions
The year is drawing to a close in great strides. Winter is at the door, and with it comes a quiet, contemplative time. The garden grows stiller too, because the short days and the cold air send the plants into their well-earned winter dormancy. With the first frost and snow, the garden is covered in an enchanting white blanket.
If you have already tidied your garden and made it ready for winter, there is now time for the lovely things that Advent brings: baking biscuits, cosy hours by candlelight and perhaps even a few traditional customs that make your gardener's heart beat faster. I would like to take you on a little journey to two special Advent traditions: St Barbara's twigs and the winter solstice.
St Barbara's Twigs: Awakening Spring in Winter
Who was St Barbara?
The legend of St Barbara is as gripping as it is tragic. She is said to have lived in the 3rd century, and although her existence is not historically proven, there are numerous stories about her. As the daughter of a wealthy pagan, Barbara grew up at a time when Christianity was still persecuted. She had herself baptised in secret and courageously professed her faith, which ultimately led to her death. The custom of St Barbara's twigs began to develop on 4 December, St Barbara's feast day.
How does the custom work?
On St Barbara's Day you cut twigs from fruit trees such as cherry, apple or plum and put them in a vase of water. With a little luck they will bloom by Christmas, an enchanting symbol of the "light of the world" that is celebrated at this time. For the twigs to bloom at all, they need a little trick: either they must already have experienced frost, or you put them in the freezer overnight. Afterwards you place them in lukewarm water before they go into the vase.
Whether the blossoms open just in time for Christmas or only later, they conjure a touch of spring into your home in the middle of winter. It is even said that blooming St Barbara's twigs are a good omen for the coming year.
How Do You Cut and Care for St Barbara's Twigs?
If you would like to try the custom, you don't need much:
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The right twig: Traditionally, twigs from cherry, apple or plum trees are used. But forsythia, flowering almond or lilac are also wonderful.
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The frost trick: For the twigs to bloom, they need a cold impulse. If they haven't experienced frost, you can simply put them in the freezer overnight.
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Waking up: Then place the twigs in lukewarm water. Change the water regularly so that they get enough moisture.
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Patience and joy: After a few weeks the first buds open, an enchanting moment in the middle of winter.
The St Barbara Garden: A Green Ray of Light
Do you know the St Barbara garden? Here, wheat or barley grains are sown on cotton wool or kitchen roll. You water them regularly, and by Christmas a dense, green carpet appears. Traditionally, a candle is placed in the middle, a beautiful symbol of hope and new beginnings.
The Magic of the Winter Solstice
On 21 December, the longest night of the year, we celebrate the winter solstice. From now on the days grow longer again, a reason to rejoice, especially for us garden lovers! The winter solstice invites you to light a warming bonfire with friends and family and welcome the return of the light.
Perhaps you would also like to explore the ancient myths that surround this special night.
Advent in the Garden
Seed Advent Calendars
Why not use the contemplative Advent season to rediscover these ancient customs?
Cut St Barbara's twigs, create a St Barbara garden or invite friends to a winter solstice fire. That way you bring a piece of nature and tradition into your pre-Christmas season and prepare yourself now for the new gardening season.
Have fun trying it out, and a wonderful Advent season!
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