Saint Barbara is celebrated with great fervor and devotion in the Middle East.
Despite facing numerous challenges, such as wars, traditions honoring her have endured. Explore the faith-infused customs that enrich this unique celebration.
On December 4, the Catholic Church remembers Saint Barbara, a Christian saint and martyr who was born in the region of Baalbek, present-day Lebanon.
On their Instagram account, Eastern Christians shared a little about the life of Saint Barbara.
“According to tradition, Saint Barbara lived in the third century and was the daughter of a wealthy pagan named Dioscorus. She was kept in isolation in a tower, but secretly converted to Christianity, dedicating her life to God.
After refusing to renounce her faith, Barbara was brutally tortured and eventually beheaded by her own father. Tradition has it that Dioscorus was struck by lightning as divine punishment."
The feast of this saint is full of traditions in the Mediterranean Levant, an area that includes countries such as Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Israel, and Palestine.
“Christians in the Levant often dress up in disguises to commemorate Saint Barbara’s ability to escape persecution by disguising herself. They also sing songs dedicated to her, recounting her story and expressing devotion. Another cherished tradition is the passing of every house in the village, where people exchange greetings and blessings. During these visits, traditional sweets and food are shared among neighbors and loved ones.”
Eastern Christians added that on that day, traditional sweets and a festive dish “made of boiled wheat, sugar and topped with nuts and raisins” are prepared.
Families also plant wheat in small pots placed under the Christmas tree.
“At Christmas, green shoots symbolize new life and hope, and are placed next to the manger.”
Users commented on the beauty of this tradition and how, miles away, many families continue to celebrate Saint Barbara.
“At my parish in New Jersey, we maintain the tradition of making sweets like baklawa," one user said. "We also serve fruit. We sing her story in Arabic and the children follow in procession behind a girl dressed as Saint Barbara.
“How beautiful! They have a very rich Christian tradition there. I am so happy to learn about it! Blessings from Italy 🙏🤍,” another person said.
“May the witness of the lives of such saints inspire us in our own lives to protect our faith and soul from the persecutions and temptations of this modern age,” someone else added.
“Amazing," another user said. "My mom told me about the festivities that accompany Santa Barbara in the Levant, although I have never been lucky enough to see them for myself. How great it is to see this.”