Georgia celebrates Saint Barbara’s Day

Saint Barbara is considered a special protector and healer of children. Photo via 1TV.ge

Agenda.ge, 17 Dec 2023 - 13:20, Tbilisi,Georgia

Orthodox Georgians today are celebrating the Day of Saint Barbara – the Great Martyr who was tortured and killed by her father after she converted to Christianity.

Georgians celebrate Barbaroba annually with an old folk tradition - baking festive food lobiani, a bread baked with bean stuffing, honouring Saint Barbara.

Baking festive food lobiani, a bread baked with bean stuffing to honour Saint Barbara. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge

Saint Barbara is considered a special protector and healer of children.

Georgians also believe the first person to visit their house on this day as a guest - mekvle which translates as someone who sets the course, or the “first-foot - will determine how lucky the following year will be for the family.