Saint Barbara

There is no evidence of Saint Barbara as a historic person. The first references to her however go all the way back to the third century. As the patron saint, there are many legends and rituals which relate to her life and work. On St. Barbara's Day, 4 December, it is, for example, a custom to cut off cherry branches and place them in the water. If they blossom at Christmas, this is a good sign for the coming year. According to the tradition, Saint Barbara got caught on a branch on her way to the prison, the tower, which she then took with her into her cell. The buds then blossomed on the day she died. The Barbara figure is made from painted plaster cast and is characterised by her symbol, the tower, which refers to a scene of her martyrdom. Barbara usually holds a palm leaf in her hand, a symbol for victory over the mundane. However, in this case, she is accompanied by a delicate flower arrangement. There is also a beautiful wreath of roses around her neck which makes the figure look even more graceful.