Eid il-Burbara

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Eid il-Burbara (Arabic: عيد البربارة) is a holiday celebrated in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Palestine, and Turkey among Christians on December 4th in honor of Saint Barbara. The holiday is similar to Halloween in the Western world and involves children dressing up in costumes and going door-to-door to receive treats.

History

The celebration of Eid il-Burbara is rooted in the story of Saint Barbara, a 3rd-century Christian martyr. According to tradition, Barbara disguised herself in various costumes to escape persecution from her pagan father. This act of disguise is commemorated by children dressing up in costumes during the holiday.

Traditions

During Eid il-Burbara, children wear costumes and masks, and they go from house to house singing traditional songs in exchange for sweets and treats. One of the popular songs sung during this time is "Heyshleh Barbara." The holiday is also marked by the preparation of special foods, such as Burbara (dish), a dish made of boiled wheat grains, pomegranate seeds, raisins, anise, and sugar.

Cultural Significance

Eid il-Burbara is a significant cultural event for Christians in the Middle East. It is a time for community gathering, sharing, and celebrating the story of Saint Barbara. The holiday also serves as a way to preserve and pass down cultural traditions and stories to younger generations.

Similar Celebrations

Eid il-Burbara shares similarities with other holidays around the world that involve costumes and treats, such as Halloween in the United States and Carnival in various countries.

See Also

• Saint Barbara
• Halloween
• Carnival
• Christianity in the Middle East