On December 17, Christians of the Eastern Rite celebrate St. Barbara's Day. This holiday is not only religious, but also popular, it is also called Varvarin's Day.. The girls prayed to the saint for a successful marriage.

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history of the holiday.

Saint Barbara was born in the 3rd century AD in Phoenicia to a pagan family.. Since childhood, she was distinguished by beauty, so her father, Dioxares, decided to imprison the girl in a tower to protect her from prying eyes..

While in captivity, Varvara opened her heart to the Lord, and after her release, she was baptized by local Christians.. Dioxares was beside himself with anger, so he ordered his daughter to be tortured and received permission from the ruler of Phenicia to hold her on trial..

Barbara refused to renounce God, after which Dioxares beheaded her. But he was overtaken by punishment - he was killed by a lightning strike.

It is believed that the relics of St. Barbara are stored in the Vladimir Cathedral in Kyiv. So, in 1108, a relative of the Byzantine emperor Alexei Komnenos named Varvara married the Kyiv prince Svyatopolk Izyaslavich and brought with her to Kyiv part of the relics of her patroness.

The story of Barbara formed the basis of the tale of Rapunzel.

What not to do on a holiday.

On this day you can not swear, quarrel, swear and wish others harm.

You can not do housework and spin.

Do not wash, bleach and knead clay.

Don't leave home on holiday unless absolutely necessary..