Students in the French program at Port Chester Middle School brought their classroom learning to life this past December by participating in a symbolic planting ritual tied to the winter solstice, a centuries-old tradition from the south of France.
The activity is rooted in the Provençal region of southeastern France, where families have long planted wheat seeds before the new year as a form of agrarian tradition believed to predict the prosperity of the coming twelve months. Even today, small packets of wheat are commonly sold for charity or shared at local boulangeries during the winter season.
This cherished custom is reflected in the well-known Provençal saying, “quand lou blad vèn bèn, tout vèn bèn,” translated as “Quand le blé va bien, tout va bien,” or “When the wheat grows well, all will be well.”
Earlier in the month, students sowed their own wheat seeds in small ceramic pots, beginning a period of care and anticipation leading into the new year. Traditionally, the wheat’s growth—its color, height, and fullness—is believed to signal the fortune of the year ahead, with strong, vibrant growth symbolizing abundance and good luck.
This hands-on experience allowed students to engage with French culture beyond the textbook, connecting language learning to a living tradition. The activity highlighted the region’s deep agricultural roots and the cyclical nature of the seasons, while reinforcing cultural awareness and global understanding. As part of the program, students are introduced to a variety of traditions from across the French-speaking world to broaden their cultural exposure.
Overall, the experience served as a meaningful cross-cultural lesson, blending history, language, and a touch of horticulture in an engaging and memorable way.