Today, we have the 2nd of Advent.
All days have a patron. And todays patron is a martyr called Barbara. She used to live in the 3rd century.
Here we have a tradition, of cutting of twigs from certain trees and put them inside the house. When doing so, they will bloom on Christmas. You can take twigs i.e. from cherry trees, apple trees, pear trees, plum trees or forsythia.
To bring them to bloom, they must have a frost first. Either, you cut them after having had a frost outside before December 4th, or you put them into your freezer for a night after having them cut of. Then, put them in warm water for a night (i.e. in your bathtub). So the buds feel can the spring. The next day, you have to to cut the twig diagonally above the cutting surface or tenderize it with a hammer. Put them in a vase and place it in a warm room. Refresh the water every three or four days. Spray them with water, if the air in the room is very dry. The twigs need some air moisture. Dry air makes the twigs shrivel.
For us, this is the first time we’re trying this.
Take care!
MyBlog - solaner 
My native town patron Saint !
🙂
Good reminder, thanks. I wanted to try it this year with some cherry branches. So, I have to take my swiss army knife with me on the next dog walk. 🙂
You’re welcome, Sonja.
That’s a good opportunity for collection some plants 🙂
thank you for sharing the story and tradition! Lovely image of Christmas!
You’re welcome, Cybele