by Tracey Allen

Created on: November 23, 2009

Saint Barbara was according to many various versions or accounts of her life a beautiful young woman with a deep intrinsic faith.

Her life was short , but she had an enormous impact on the conversion of many pagans to Christianity. Saint Juliana is just one example of a person so moved by Saint Barbara's unyielding faith that she professed her faith knowing she would be put to death. Saint Juliana is also celebrated on the Feast of Saint Barbara December 4th.

Born of pagan parents in Heliopolis, Syria (Modern day Baalbek in Lebanon) Saint Barbara being a very beautiful young woman was closely watched by her father Dioscurus. When he traveled he ordered her placed in the top tower of the palace so no one would see her while he was gone. He gave her all she could possibly want in riches and in education to keep her happy and prepare her for her future. During her stays in the tower, Saint Barbara contemplated and reflected on life and being. It was during this reflection that Saint Barbara came to know the Holy Spirit and the knowledge of God in Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).

While her father was away a bath-house was being built according to his instructions to have two windows, wanting to emulate the Holy Trinity, Saint Barbara requested a third window be put in so the room would be lit by a triple light symbolizing Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

When her father returned he gave her the news that she would be given in marriage to rich man. Saint Barbara refused saying she was giving her life to Christ and would remain a virgin. Her father wasn't pleased with her refusal and when he discovered the reason a third window had been put in the bath-house he was furious. He became violent and tried to kill Saint Barbara, she escape but was later captured and sent to the authorities as being Christian, which in those days was a punishable offense.

Saint Barbara was tortured by laceration of the skin, burning, and stoning. She was then thrown to the dungeon a bloody mess. That night she saw Christ and he healed her. The next day she was presented to the public for torture and when stripped of her clothes a bright light covered her to protect her. It was at this time that Saint Juliana saw the miracles and professed her faith, giving herself over to the authorities to be tortured for Christ. It was decided that both women should be beheaded and Dioscurus Saint Barbara's father requested to commit the act. Both saints gave up their spirit. On the return trip home Dioscurus was struck by lightning and became ash.

Saint Barbara's feast is celebrated on December 4th each year during the Nativity Fast. Several countries have created special traditions in her honour.

Poland

Germany

Various Traditions plus the Church Music

Learn more about this author, Tracey Allen.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.