People around Croatia grow božićna pšenica (Christmas wheat) in their homes each December. Growing Christmas wheat is an old Croatian Christmas custom.

Packets of wheat grains start to appear in shops in early December in preparation. Wheat is usually grown in small saucers and is used as a holiday decoration. This green grass gives a spring-like touch to every home in the middle of winter.

Wheat also has symbolic meanings. It represents the circle of life (death and rebirth), fertility, new life, renewal of life, a blessing of the harvest, and what the new year will hold for you. In addition, it is also a metaphor for your prosperity in the new year.

There is a belief that the look and height of the wheat determine what the harvest will be like in the next year. If the wheat grows thick, tall, and green, the year will be fruitful and the harvest good. If the wheat grows weak and pale, the harvest will be poor.

In this post, we cover:

• Origin of the custom
• When to sow božićna pšenica
• How to grow božićna pšenica
• How to decorate božićna pšenica
• How to prepare wheatgrass juice

The facts are these…

How to grow Christmas wheat in Croatia (Božićna pšenica)

Where the custom of growing božićna pšenica comes from?

The tradition of growing božićna pšenica originates from Christianity and is related to the Sveta obitelj (Holy family). Marija (Mary) and Josip (Joseph) were running from Herod’s soldiers who persecuted them. They came across a farmer sowing wheat. Mary asked the farmer to tell the soldiers that they already passed by.

When the soldiers came, a miracle happened. The wheat grew very large very quickly. Since it usually takes several months for wheat to grow in a field, it gave the soldiers the impression that Mary and Joseph had passed by a long time ago. As a result, the soldiers gave up the chase after Mary and Joseph.

When to sow božićna pšenica in Croatia?

According to tradition, božićna pšenica should be started on:

• Sveta Barbara (Saint Barbara’s Day)
• Sveta Lucija (Saint Lucy’s Day)

Celebration of Saint Barbara’s Day in Croatia

Saint Barbara’s Day is celebrated on December 4. Sveta Barbara (Saint Barbara) represents a symbol of spring in the middle of winter. It is believed that she is a messenger of Christmas when light and life win.

In the past, people commonly sowed Christmas wheat on Saint Barbara’s Day for practical reasons. Since there was no proper heating at the time, they sowed the wheat early so that there would be enough time for it to grow before Christmas.

In addition to sowing wheat, another tradition is related to Sveta Barbara. A branch of cherry with buds should be put into water and left in a warm and bright place. The branch will bloom throughout the month and serve as a nice decoration on the table.

Saint Barbara is the protector of miners, farmers, smelters, and gunners.

Celebration of Saint Lucy’s Day in Croatia

Saint Lucy’s Day is celebrated on December 13. Sveta Lucija (Saint Lucy) symbolizes light in winter darkness. Lucy comes from the Latin word lux, lucis which means light.

Saint Lucy announces Christmas as the birthday of light. These 12 days between Saint Lucy and Christmas are called Lucijini dani (Lucy’s days). The winter solstice on December 21 falls during this period. After the solstice, days become longer, and there is more light during the day.

In modern times, people sow božićna pšenica on Saint Lucy’s Day more often than on Saint Barbara’s Day. Twelve days until Christmas is enough for wheat to grow and become lush.

Saint Lucy is the protector of sight, glass makers, scribes, weavers, porters, tailors, blacksmiths, and farmers.

[Read: St. Lucy’s Day (Sveta Lucija) in Croatia]

How to properly grow božićna pšenica in Croatia

Wheat grains can be purchased at grocery stores, farmer’s markets, and at other shops in early December. It is packed in small boxes or packets like the one below.

There are several ways to sow wheat. Below are the steps for sowing and growing Christmas wheat successfully.

Requirements are:

• Wheat grains
• Water
• Saucer(s) or bowl(s)
• Potting soil or cotton wool
• Spoon
• Scissors

#1 Prepare the wheat

Before you sow the wheat, it is recommended to leave the grains in lukewarm water overnight. This will help the wheat germinate faster. Dry them on a paper towel or dishcloth before sowing.

#2 Sow the wheat

The Christmas wheat is usually sown in small saucers or bowls. Put a layer of soil on the bottom of the saucer. Cover the entire bottom with wheat grains. Put another tiny layer of soil on top of the wheat.

Instead of potting soil, you can use cotton wool. In this case, you don’t have to cover the wheat with another layer.

Give the wheat just a small amount of water.

#3 Put the wheat on light

Place the saucers in a well-lit place. It shouldn’t be too hot because the wheat could dry out. Don’t put it in the direct sun. It is best to put it near a window with indirect light.

#4 Water the wheat

Water the wheat every day, but don’t give it too much. One or two tablespoons of water are enough. You should only moisturize the soil, not drench it.

If you want, you can also cover the wheat with aluminum foil until it sprouts. It will keep the wheat wet and warm. If you choose to cover the wheat with foil, remove the foil when it starts to germinate.

#5 Shorten the tops

The wheat will not grow higher than 20 centimeters. Feel free to trim the wheat so that it is all even.

How to decorate božićna pšenica for Christmas in Croatia

When the wheat grows, it is usually decorated. The tradition is to put the hrvatska trobojnica (Croatian tricolor) around the wheat. The tricolor is a ribbon with red, white, and blue stripes.

[Read: Meaning behind the flag of Croatia]

Some people place a candle in the middle of the wheat and then light it on Christmas. Instead of a candle, some use an apple, but this is less common. Some people don’t put anything in the wheat and just use it as decoration.

In continental Croatia, the tradition is to put apples, nuts, and grains on the table together with wheat. In Dalmatia, people put oranges and almonds on the table together with the wheat.

How to prepare wheatgrass juice

If you are wondering what do you do with the wheat after Christmas, here is the answer. Sadly, the wheat can only be temporary as it can start to stink due to the accumulated moisture. However, there are ways to use it.

Some people give it to the birds, but others make juice out of it. Its leaves are rich in vitamins, minerals, chlorophyll, enzymes, amino acids, and cellulose. You may also know this juice as wheatgrass juice.

It is easy to prepare. Cut the leaves and put them into a blender together with a desired amount of water. Then, strain the juice through a filter before drinking. You can use this juice as an addition to other homemade juices or smoothies. It will enrich their taste and nutritional value.

View our other December holiday posts

• Advent celebrations across Croatia
• Best spots in Croatia to go sledding PLUS where to buy one and winter vocabulary
• Croatian holiday words and phrases
• Epiphany (Bogojavljenje, Sveta tri kralja) in Croatia
• Nikolinje – Saint Nicholas’ Day
• Silvestrovo and New Year’s Eve in Croatia
• St. Lucy’s Day (Sveta Lucija) in Croatia
• Sveti Stjepan, Štefanje (St. Stephen’s Day)

Sources:
Naučite kako uzgojiti pšenicu by Andreja Čoh
Znate li zašto sijemo pšenicu baš na svetu Luciju by Nikolina Samaržija
Pšenicu danas najčešće sadimo na sv. Luciju by D.P.
U pet koraka do raskošne i bogate božićne pšenice by Zadovoljna.hr
Božićna pšenica – tradicijski ukras blagdanskog stola by Klara Špančić