“On December 4, 2025, Orthodox and Greek Catholics celebrate the Day of the Holy Great Martyr Barbara, one of the most revered saints in the Christian tradition. Saint Barbara accepted Christianity against her father’s will, courageously survived torture and died a martyr’s death. Among the people, she is considered the patroness of women, children, miners, warriors and a protector against sudden death. The story of the holy great martyr Varvara Varvara was born in”, — write on: ua.news
On December 4, 2025, Orthodox and Greek Catholics celebrate the Day of the Holy Great Martyr Barbara, one of the most revered saints in the Christian tradition. Saint Barbara accepted Christianity against her father’s will, courageously survived torture and died a martyr’s death.
Among the people, she is considered the patroness of women, children, miners, warriors and a protector against sudden death.
The story of the holy great martyr Varvara
Barbara was born in Iliopolis in a wealthy family of the pagan Dioscorus. The father tried to protect his daughter from Christianity, but after meeting believers, she accepted the Christian faith. After learning about this, Dioscorus handed her over to the torturers. After long tortures, Varvara was thrown into prison, where, according to legend, God healed her wounds.
The next day, the girl was tortured again. Her courage inspired the witness Juliana, who openly declared herself a Christian. Both girls were brutally tortured, and later executed – their heads were cut off.
On the same day, according to tradition, Dioscorus and the torturer Martian died, struck by lightning during a storm.
Traditions and rites of St. Barbara’s Day
The holiday is considered especially important for women. The saint is addressed with prayers about:
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sudden death protection;
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healing from diseases;
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mitigation of family conflicts and parental anger;
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happiness and well-being for the family;
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easy childbirth and children’s health.
Saint Barbara is also the patron saint of miners, miners, gunners and artisans. In various countries (USA, Great Britain, Canada, Norway), December 4 is celebrated as Artillery Day.
In ancient times, women went to church on this day, put candles near the icon of the great martyr and prayed for family well-being. Pregnant women paid special attention to prayer, believing that the holiday would help during childbirth.
Girls were only allowed to sew and embroider — other works were considered forbidden.
Barbarian seeds (“barbies”)
On the night of Varvara, grain was sown – wheat or barley. If the shoots appeared thick, a fruitful year was expected. In some regions, sowing was done as a symbolic “Christmas green”.
The beginning of “women’s holidays”
On December 4, the triad of winter holidays begins:
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Barbarians — December 4
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Owls — December 5
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Nicholas — December 6
People called it the “Northern Women’s Trident.”
Charms for Varvara
On this day, small protective amulets were made: red threads, ribbons, crosses made of thin branches. It was believed that they protect against diseases and lightning.
What do they pray to St. Barbara
Women turned to the great martyr with requests:
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about health and happiness in the family;
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about peace in the house and protection from injustice;
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about getting rid of diseases and infertility;
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on life preservation and protection against sudden death;
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about a prosperous destiny for children;
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about easy childbirth for pregnant women.
Folk omens on Varvara
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The weather on Varvara is the same as on Christmas.
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What a day for the Varvara, it is the same for the Sava.
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If there is a swamp on Varvara, the winter will be “as red as gold.”
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The night starry sky – to frost; dim – to warmth.
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Sparrows gather in bunches – for a warm winter.
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Trees in frost – to a good fruit harvest.
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If it snowed before the holiday, the winter will be long and cold; if not – warm.
What not to do on St. Barbara’s Day
For women, it was considered a great sin:
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wash,
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bleach,
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blunge,
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engage in tedious crafts.
Only embroidery and weaving were allowed.
Congratulations on the Day of the angel Barbara
May Saint Barbara protect you at every step – give you health, peace of mind and faith in goodness. May your heart be always bright, and your life filled with love and warmth.
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I wish that on this day the guardian angel was always by your side: giving inspiration, protecting from troubles and helping to realize the wildest dreams. Happy holiday, Varvaro!
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May Saint Barbara bring happiness, harmony and grace to your home. May your life be full of light, good people and warm moments. Happy holiday to you!
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I congratulate you on St. Barbara’s Day and sincerely wish that every day of yours is filled with sincere smiles, spiritual peace and faith in miracles. Let fate give only the best.
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On this festive holiday, I want to wish you strength of spirit, endurance and goodness. Let Varvara become your protector and intercessor – and help you confidently walk the path of life.
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Happy St. Barbara’s Day! I wish that love, warmth and mutual understanding reign in your home; to have relatives and friends nearby; and every moment was filled with goodness and peace.
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May Saint Barbara grant you good health, peace of mind and hope for the best today. May all your endeavors bring joy, and your heart a feeling of happiness.
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I congratulate you on Barbara’s Day! I wish your life to be like a bright morning – clear, warm and full of possibilities. And let faith always light your way.
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On the day of St. Barbara’s memory, I want to wish you sincerity, kindness and great faith. Let everything you desire be enough – joy, inspiration, health and a happy heart.
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Happy holiday, Varvaro! Let every morning begin with hope, every day brings new opportunities, and the soul always rests in peace. I wish you blessings, love and sincere joy every minute.
Happy birthday to Varvara
May Saint Varvara protect her from trouble,
Gives inspiration for light work.
Let anxieties and sorrows pass by,
And happiness comes in every steel.
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On St. Barbara’s Day, I wish you everyday
Good for the soul, peace and strength for the heart.
May the house be filled with bright light,
And God always leads you on his way.
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May Saint Barbara with thousands of wings
It will protect your peace, strength and good flow.
May fate be generous like summer
And the heart is warmed by peace and love.
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I wish you light in your thoughts,
So that doubts and fear disappear.
Let Varvara intercede for you
And grace will cover the sky.
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In this festive, quiet time
Let joy come just at once.
And Saint Barbara from above
Gives what you are waiting for.
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May the Mother of God and St. Barbara
They give peace of heart and the strength of the ravine.
May every day be like a new dawn,
Brings good news and peace of mind.
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May Saint Barbara come to your home,
It envelops with warmth, kindness and light.
Let every day bring a miracle –
Love, luck and joy unearthly
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On Barbara’s Day, I wish
You are warm, kind without limit.
May the angel be with you day and night
Brings a happy face to life.
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Let the prayer flow quietly
And God’s protection will not leave.
Saint Barbara protects,
Bring health and serve your good.
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Have a Barbarian holiday
Gives a lot of happiness:
Health, strength, bright dreams
And a home where peace reigns.
We will remind you that on December 2 according to the new calendar (December 15 according to the old style), the Church celebrated the day of memory of St. Habakkuk, one of the 12 minor prophets. They also pay attention to the weather today to predict what the winter will be like.
We will remind you that according to the new church calendar, November 28 is Orthodox honored the holy reverend martyr and confessor Stephen the New. This day is rich in traditions and folk beliefs, and our ancestors always carefully followed its signs.
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