Published December 5, 2022
There are many traditions associated with Christmas. Hanging stockings, singing carols, giving gifts, etc. Did you know it is also a traditional custom to grow wheatgrass for your Christmas table? In Croatia, you will commonly see wheatgrass (božićna pšenica) grown in the 12 days leading up to Christmas (St. Lucy’s Days). This tradition acts as a sort of advent calendar. Wheat itself is historically representative of many things. In this tradition, it takes on the representation of life, renewal, and blessings for the new year and coming harvests.
It is said that the quality and height of the wheatgrass are representative of how the harvests in the coming year will be. A tall, thick, and luscious crop of wheatgrass symbolizes a plentiful and healthy year of growing. If it is thin and in poor health, you can expect to face many challenges as you farm throughout the year.
The origins of this tradition go back to the story of the holy family fleeing Herod’s soldiers. On their journey, they found a wheat farmer sowing his fields. The family requested that the farmer tell the coming soldiers that the family had already passed through. Eventually, the soldiers come and inquire with the farmer about the family. When the farmer tells the soldiers that the family passed through while he was sowing his crop, the soldiers give up their search. That year the wheat had grown abnormally fast, making the soldiers think the family was too far to catch up to. Wheat continues to be sown to symbolically represent light found amid the winter's darkness.
To participate in this tradition, sow your wheatgrass seeds on December 13th. This is St. Lucy’s Day which marks 12 days until Christmas. St. Lucy is remembered as “the protector of sight, glass makers, scribes, weavers, porters, tailors, blacksmiths, and farmers.” We wish you a healthy crop of wheatgrass this Christmas season. Learn more about how to grow wheatgrass below.
Step 1: Soak the wheatgrass seeds for 8-12 hours. In warm and humid climates, prevent mold by adding a couple of drops of mold controling grapefruit seed extract into your initial seed soaking water.
Step 2: Drain and transfer to a colander. Store the colander in the fridge until you are ready to grow. Rinse every 12-14 hours allowing it to get a slow start. You will want to see some seeds starting to germinate with white root hairs developing.
Step 3: Nestle a tray with holes inside one without holes.
Step 4: Hydrate your growing medium with about 2 cups of water beforehand (10x20 tray). If using a fibrous material such as coco coir fiber mats, it may take up to 2 hours to sufficiently soak your growing medium. Soil, Minute Soil Coco Coir, Micro Mats, or Bamboo Mats will quickly absorb the water.
Step 5: Spread your prepared seed over the hydrated grow medium. While not necessary, we recommend sprinkling some azomite powder over the seeds for added trace mineral nutrients. Cover your seeds with paper towels. This will help maintain moisture until the wheatgrass has grown to about the height of the container.
Step 6: Soak the paper towel well and allow it to drain for a minute. Nest the tray inside one without holes. Continue to water about twice a day until your crop reaches 6-8 inches tall.
Step 7: It’s ready to harvest in only 7-9 days! Cut with a sharp knife or scissors for juicing, or set out for your cats and dogs to munch on.
This tradition includes not only the growing of wheatgrass for your table but also its decoration. As this tradition largely comes from Croatia, it is customary to wrap a ribbon around the wheatgrass bearing the Croatian tricolors of red, white, and blue. Additionally, a candle may be placed in the center of your wheatgrass and lit on Christmas day. While less common, an apple and nuts may also be placed in the wheatgrass.
What do you do with the wheatgrass after Christmas? Make juice of course! Wheatgrass has many incredible health properties. While wheatgrass is not edible as a microgreen, you can drink its juice which is full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Wheatgrass is a powerhouse in preventative health practices as it may help prevent some types of cancer, fight infection, lower cholesterol levels, lower inflammation, aid digestion, regulate blood sugars, and improve cognitive functions. Because wheatgrass does not contain grain seed, it is safe for those with sensitivities to gluten. One serving of Wheatgrass is 1oz. To get the most out of your wheatgrass, we suggest using a masticating juicer. You can find everything needed to grow and juice wheatgrass at True Leaf Market.
If wheatgrass juice isn’t your thing, you can always feed your fresh wheatgrass to your pet. Cats and dogs love it! Not only does it taste good, but it is also good for their health. Wheatgrass can help keep their digestive systems clear and healthy. If you have ever seen your pets chewing your lawn grass, this is because of their natural instincts. Just be wary of allowing them to chew on grass that may contain pesticides and other treatment products. Growing wheatgrass at home is the safest way to provide your cats and dogs with natural and non-treated grass to munch on.
6 comments
I definitely did not know this! Will consider making this part of our tradition!
This is so interesting! I never knew there was a wheatgrass tradition with Christmas, I may have to try it this year if I can get the things in time!
I never knew this tradition. Interesting!
As our chickens are cooped up in the winter, the best way they can eat green stuff which is so healthy for them is to grow wheatgrass in a tower. I use 2 shoe racks one on top of each other, that makes 8 trays. On each shelf, I place an aluminum grilling tray. Under the whole thing, between the legs of the shoe shelves, a place a catchment basin so I can empty the extra water each day. Soak enough wheat to fill a tray, place it on the bottom shelf and water your first tray. The next day, place the second tray over the first and water. Repeat. each day until all full. The bottom tray can now be given to your chickens. Wash it and repeat all winter. Chickens make much better use of sprouted grain than dry grain. I have not had as much muck with oats or rye: They tend to develop mold sometimes, or go gooey.
As our chickens are cooped up in the winter, the best way they can eat green stuff which is so healthy for them is to grow wheatgrass in a tower. I use 2 shoe racks one on top of each other, that makes 8 trays. On each shelf, I place an aluminum grilling tray. Under the whole thing, between the legs of the shoe shelves, a place a catchment basin so I can empty the extra water each day. Soak enough wheat to fill a tray, place it on the bottom shelf and water your first tray. The next day, place the second tray over the first and water. Repeat. each day until all full. The bottom tray can now be given to your chickens. Wash it and repeat all winter. Chickens make much better use of sprouted grain than dry grain. I have not had as much muck with oats or rye: They tend to develop mold sometimes, or go gooey.