St. Barbara is a saint and martyr (circa +235) venerated in Christianity, specifically in the Catholic and Orthodox Churches. Her feast day is celebrated mainly in Lebanon. She embodies courage and devotion in the face of adversity. Her fascinating story transcends time to remind us of the strength of faith and perseverance in the face of oppression.  Originally from Nicomedia in Asia Minor (now Türkiye), St. Barbara lived in the 3rd century in Heliopolis (now Baalbek, Lebanon) under Emperor Maximian, during a period of intense religious persecution. She was extraordinarily beautiful and highly intelligent. Her decision to convert to Christianity, and her opposition to the plans of her father, make her a powerful symbol of unshakeable faith. Her father was a wealthy pagan named Dioscorus, who wanted to marry her off to a Persian prince. However, St. Barbara converted to Christianity at the age of 16, When Dioscorus discovered she was a Christian, she fled to the wheat fields to escape him. When she was found, she was imprisoned in a tower and tortured. The tower was burnt down, but St. Barbara remained alive.  Eventually, she was martyred and executed by her own father. At this very moment, a bolt of lightning struck Dioscorus, who was burned to death. She is known as the "Saint of Fire," and is the patron saint of miners and firefighters in France and of certain engineering trades in many Western and Eastern countries. Her story, her conversion, her tragic martyrdom, and her legacy has endured for generations. She is widely celebrated even today.  

Eid El Barbara or St. Barbara's Day in Lebanon

The feast of St. Barbara is widely celebrated in Lebanon. It is a celebration that precedes Christmas and is accompanied by various festivities and customs.  The tradition begins on December 3, the eve of the feast day, children dress up as Saint Barbara, and families visit each other and get together. When visiting their neighbours and relatives, children receive money and specially prepared homemade desserts. Since St. Barbara hid in a field of wheat, wheat has become a very important symbol of her feast day. Each family prepares for Christmas by planting wheat and lentil seeds in three small dishes covered with water-soaked absorbent cotton, symbolizing the Trinity. The seedlings are watered daily until Christmas, and when they sprout, it's a sign of blessing and prosperity for the new year.  Families also prepare traditional wheat-based dishes such as amhieh (wheat berry pudding) as well as desserts such as maakroun (semolina sweets), mchabbak (fried dough shaped into a spiral and dipped in sugar syrup) and katayef (sweet dumpling filled with cream or nuts).. They also remind us of the exceptional memories we carry with us all our lives, and pass onto future generations.     Additionally, many Lebanese Christians visit their churches to celebrate Mass on this feast day. On St. Barbara's Day, Lebanese families start to decorate their homes for Christmas, putting up their Christmas trees and Nativity sets in preparation for the arrival of the Christ Child. The three small plants planted on St. Barbara's Day are placed in front of the crib on December 24.  These decorations will be removed after Epiphany of the Lord, on January 6. The period of preparation for the birth of Jesus is accompanied by works of charity, such as donating food to the needy,  tithing, or giving items to organizations in the country. For many, the celebration of Saint Barbara's Day brings back fond childhood memories with family, which Lebanese people are determined to preserve despite the current political and economic situation. They pass on the memories and traditions from generation to generation. The Lebanese greet each other by saying Barbara mbarkeh (Blessed St. Barbara's Day) or kel Barbara w ento bi kheir (Happy St. Barbara's Day).  

Prayer to St. Barbara

St. Barbara, beloved saint of the Lebanese,

we turn to you in these uncertain times,

you who have shown the strength of your faith in the face of adversity. Protect our beloved Lebanon, land of diversity,

keep us from torment, conflict and discord,

guide our leaders towards wisdom and peace, O holy Barbara. We pray that our traditions will endure, despite the economic and political challenges that beset us, and that the feast in your honour will remain a sacred bond. Inspire our hearts with solidarity and charity, help us support our fellow citizens in need, and maintain love and unity in our society. St. Barbara, watch over us, over our nation, may your light shine on Lebanon, even in the darkness, and may we continue to celebrate your memory with pride. Amen.