Syria

Christian children of Syria start Christmas on December 4, the anniversary of Saint Barbara, who was martyred about 235.  In spite of her suffering, the youthful martyr never wavered in her love toward God. This is why Syrian children like Saint Barbara, and their parents teach them of her courage and devotion.

Saint Barbara's Feast means candles of many colors, rich pastries, and candies. Someone always plays the part of saint in her long white robe and gleaming crown. To Syrians, the Saint Barbara celebration is similar to the American Christmas party. Instead of trimming a tree behind closed doors, the parents secretly decorate a table with lighted candles and with wheat-flour cakes, rich with nuts, sugar, and honey. The wheat is significant, because it commemorates the dead, and symbolizes the immortality of the soul.

When everything is ready, the children gather excitedly outside the party room doors. Saint Barbara, usually impersonated by a favorite aunt or close family friend, waits with the group. When at last the door opens, she leads the children in a procession around the table, all chanting the festival song.

The feast is a merry one, with good things to eat, singing, and masquerading. But Saint Barabara's Day is the time for sharing as well as receiving. Parents send their children with goodies and sweets to the homes of the poor and unfortunate. As the boys and girls present their offerings, they give the traditional greeting: "May God bless you and bring you happiness throughout the year. Father and Mother beg you to accept these gifts from us."