4 DEC: #ChristmasStories from the Middle East - Yolande Knell, BBC Middle East Correspondent - "On 4 December many Middle Eastern Christians mark St Barbara's Day. A miracle is said to have taken place as the early saint was running from persecution: she ran through freshly planted wheat fields which grew instantly to disguise her path. This is remembered with traditional dishes made with boiled wheat and seasonal fruits and nuts such as pomegranate, raisins and chestnuts. Seeds are often planted on this day and the shoots used to decorate the nativity scene for Christmas. In the Orthodox Church, the feast is marked on 17 December." PHOTO: Yolande Knell/BBC #ChristmasStories #BBCMiddleEast @BBCNews by bbcnews

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