Not every home had a Christmas tree at Christmas. Instead, on December 4, branches were cut from the trees in the garden and placed in a vase in the house. After 20 days, on Christmas Eve, they were supposed to bloom – as a symbol of the birth of Christ.

The custom of Barbara’s branches is still widespread today as an alternative to the Christmas tree. Cherry sprigs are traditionally used for the Barbara rite. However, the following will also work:

  • winter jasmine
  • dogwood
  • decorative cherry
  • Japanese quince
  • laburnum
  • broom
  • decorative currant
  • decorative plum
  • almond tree
  • forsythia
  • pasture
  • hazel
  • witch hazel
  • turn

Twigs need a cold shock – if in doubt, this trick will help


Cherry branches are a classic for St. Barbara’s Day.

In order for the branches to bloom in the middle of winter, that is, much earlier than usual, you must allow them to run through the seasons at great speed. So you need the cold shock of winter followed by the first warmth of spring.

Are you not sure if your trees have already survived enough frosts this year? A cold night, even a slight frost at night, can be enough, says Svenja Šwedkte, owner of a nursery in Bornhoeved in Schleswig-Holstein. And when in doubt, the trick is to put the cut branches in the freezer. After cutting and, possibly, staying in artificial frost, decorative branches are placed overnight in lukewarm water and only then in a real jug, Schwedtke advises.

Legend of Saint Barbara

The branches of Barbara are named in memory of Saint Barbara. Their legend says that the merchant’s daughter had to go to jail because of her faith. On the way, a cherry branch got stuck in her dress. Varvara lowered him into the water in her cell. According to tradition, the flowers opened on the day of her execution. (dpa/af)