Martyr Barbara was born in the second half of the 3rd century in the Phoenician city of Iliopolis. The only child was raised by her father, who was an idolater. After learning of Barbara's secret baptism, the father took her to the country's ruler, Marcian. After several days of torture, St. Barbara was beheaded by her own father.

St. Barbara is considered a special protector of children.

The occasion has been celebrated in Georgia since the 9th Century. The Feast of Saint Barbara is connected with an old Georgian folk tradition to bake lobiani (bean pies). Each year on December 17, Georgians cooking bean pies to show respect for Saint Barbara.