Sainte Barbe

The daughter of a wealthy Turkish heathen, she was sentenced to death for being a Christian. Her father wanted to be her executioner and cut off her head. Proud of his actions, he was immediately struck by a bolt of lightning. Thanks to this sudden divine manifestation linked to the power of fire, she was chosen by the guilds with a link to flames and explosives, like miners. In the two weeks before Sainte-Barbe's Day, longer working hours were authorised in order to increase workers' pay. When the day came, the miners would hold a dignified feast for their patron saint. December 4th is always an important date for all those who face fire and explosions in their work; It is the day when they commemorate those who died doing their job.