On Dec. 3 the French officially start their Christmas Season, celebrating the eve of Saint Barbara’s Day. Known for cherishing beloved and famous saints the people of France plant wheat sprouts in honor of patron of agriculture, Saint Barbara. If these sprouts grow by Christmas Day good prosperity and luck will be with the planter. Following Saint Barbara’s day, Dec.6, children leave sabots (wooden shoes) by the fireplace or front door. If they have been good Père Noël (the french Santa) leaves treats and gifts inside them. Traditionally, Père Noël is depicted as a thinner but tall man with wooden shoes. Instead of riding in a sleigh of reindeer he is pulled by donkeys. Many activities surround the arrival of the mystical man including a large dinner after the Révillon mass. This dinner often features a Yule shaped log called būsche de Noël.

This year students of Ms. Ann Fetty’s class participated in the French holidays by painting pots and planting wheat. Ms. Fetty who has been a french teacher at Woodrow Wilson High School selected three winners for the best decorated pot. After seeing many designs McKenzie Smith, Cole White, and Nyanna Lawson-Gray were selected.

To learn more about the traditions of France please reach out to Ms. Ann Fetty.