Family Center in Zalin, North and East Syria, celebrates Saint Barbara’s Day with joyful festivities for children

ZALIN, North and East Syria — In celebration of Saint Barbara’s Day, the Family Center run by the Syriac Cross Organization for Relief and Development in Zalin (Qamishli), North and East Syria, organized a festive event for children.

Christabel Assal, head of the Family Center, shared details of the celebration with Syriac Press. She explained that the children were introduced to the story of Saint Barbara’s life and participated in a competition for the most beautiful costume. The event also featured dancing, gift-giving, and joyous activities, with Assal extending her congratulations to everyone on this special occasion.

Saint Barbara’s Day is a cherished tradition among the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) communities in Syria, celebrated annually on 4 December. According to custom, children form groups on the eve of Saint Barbara’s Day, moving from house to house to collect sweets and nuts in celebration.

In earlier times, before modern costumes became common, villagers would honor this tradition by painting their faces, wearing tattered clothes, and walking through the night to collect treats following the Mass rituals held in Saint Barbara’s honor.

According to Christian tradition, Saint Barbara defied her pagan father by embracing the Christian faith. When her father sought to kill her, she fled her palace, disguising herself in torn clothing and painting her face to evade capture. She found refuge among fields of wheat, a symbol of her resilience and devotion, which is commemorated to this day.