We would begin pairing when it rained enough “to soak the earth.” Usually, in the southern part of Crete, this was at the end of October. By November 21st, we calculated that half the seed should be sown in the ground; therefore, the day of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary was called “the day of the Mesoporitissa Holy Mary .” Lentils especially need to be sown early: “By Saint Nicholas, lentils sown are sprouted.”