St. Barbara’s Day is celebrated in the Czech Republic every year on December 4th. Saint Barbara is the patroness of artisans and workers, and she also protects people from lightning during a thunderstorm.
It is generally accepted that the beautiful Varvara, who converted to Christianity, was imprisoned in a tower and later killed by her pagan father for her religious views.
In the Czech Republic, there is a tradition of giving children sweets and gifts on St. Barbara’s Day. They are placed in a stocking, which the children put out of their window at night.
Also on this day, Czechs cut branches of “barborka” from cherries (or other fruit trees) and place them in water with the goal that they will bloom for Christmas. It is believed that this brings happiness and success to the family.
Previously, there was also a tradition according to which “barborka” girls dressed in white clothes went around houses and gave gifts to children, but now they have been completely replaced by St. Nicholas (Father Frost).
