This post is part of an ongoing series for celebrating Advent in the home.
Background
The veneration of St. Barbara has a strong cultural history, although it is now considered doubtful whether she was a historical person. She seems to be based more in legends than in fact. Nevertheless, the December 4 commemoration marked a day of feasting in times past and continues to be observed in some parts of the world today.
According to most sources, St. Barbara is said to have lived in the 4th century. She was the daughter of a cruel pagan father who persecuted her for her Christian faith, which she practiced boldly despite his opposition. She ultimately died as a martyr. [Versions of her martyrdom story are particularly violent and may not be suitable for some children.]
Devotion to St. Barbara possibly came to Europe through the Crusaders returning from the Middle East. She is the patron of those who work in dangerous occupations, especially miners. A picture of St. Barbara hangs in every Polish mine, and it is not uncommon for Polish churches in the US to be named after her. Mining towns such as Silesia in southwestern Poland celebrate Barbórka, a day beginning with a solemn mass and ending with a festival. Syrian Christians also break from Advent penance to have large parties on St. Barbara’s Day, recalling her long veneration in the East.
An easy way for American families to observe this day is to practice the custom of the Barbara Twig or Barbara Branch. In Germany, Poland, and elsewhere, families cut a branch from a fruit tree, usually a cherry, and place it in water in a sunny location. While the darkness and cold of winter strips the landscape, the Barbara Branch becomes unnaturally green and full of life. It hopefully blooms by Christmas Eve, reminding the children of the Jesse Tree that blossoms forth with the Savior.
Simple Activity
Take the children along to cut a branch from a fruit tree and place it in water in the shrine area. Mexican plum is common in Central Texas. Or check the florists’ shop for decorative live branches available this time of year. An alternative to a branch is a bulb like paperwhite or amaryllis, placed in the home shrine as a teaching prop. [Wheatgrass is also nice to grow indoors in the shrine area; of course it doesn’t flower!]
Extended Activities
See Catholic Culture for the Syrian St. Barbara’s festival and many more ideas.
Celebrate the name day of the ladies named Barbara in your family.