Barbara day: tradition and superstition in Styrian mining!

Barbara day: tradition and superstition in Styrian mining!

Fohnsdorf, Österreich - On December 4th, St. Barbara, one of the most famous martyrs of the Catholic Church and patron saint of miners, will be celebrated. This day has a deep tradition in Styria and beyond that goes far beyond religious practices. According to MeinDädzärt it is customary that Kirsch, Haselnut- or Weidenzweigen went to the home. will be lucky to bless the coming year. These barbara branches, which are supposed to bloom often, symbolize life after death and are deeply rooted in local customs.

mining and superstition

The Saint Barbara is also worshiped as a patron saint of miners who worked in the mines under extreme conditions. The tradition combined them with the dangers of mining, where the fear of their own life was constantly present. A look at the story shows that this fear was not unfounded because many miners floated in mortal danger every day. Even today, as Revierkohlen , the miners perceive the celebrations as an opportunity to remind you and to maintain the exchange.

The celebrations themselves are characterized by centuries -old traditions. In Styria, they start with a service, followed by festive rituals such as the "leather jump", which symbolizes the determination and courage of new mountaineer. Such customs originally come from the time of the students in Slovakia and illustrate the deep connection between the culture of miners and their patron saints.

Although mining in Styria is no longer the economic importance today, the barbarag remains a sign of the cultural heritage and identity of the miners. The nostalgia of the celebrations is increased by the approaching farewell to the last active mines, which makes the importance of this tradition all the more important for the still active and former miners.