Georgian Orthodox church celebrates today, December 17, St. Barbara day or Barbaroba.

Barbara is known as the Great Martyr who was primarily worshiped as the healer and the patron of the sick.

St. Barbara a well-loved saint in Georgia, so Barbaroba is specially celebrated with some old traditions. To this day families have first foot-Mekvle. They believe if they spend the day happily the whole year will pass peacefully. So every family is specially prepared for the day. Even Mekvle is specially chosen as itis believe the guest will influence how much luck the family will have thefollowing year.

Barbara was the daughter of Dioscorus born in the 3rd century in Lebanon. Having secretly become a Christian, she was tortured and beheaded by her father.