Traditionally the patron Saint of armourers, artillerymen, military engineers, gunsmiths, miners and anyone else who worked with cannon and explosives. She is invoked against thunder and lightning and all accidents arising from explosions of gunpowder and is venerated by Catholics who face the danger of sudden and violent death in work.

Saint Barbara’s Day

St Barbara’s Day, December 4, is celebrated by, among others,:

• FAA Armourers
• British (Royal Artillery
• RAF Armourers
• Royal Engineers)
• Australian (Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery, RAAF Armourers)
• Canadian (Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technicians (EOD)
• Canadian Air Force Armourers
• Royal Canadian Artillery
• Canadian Military Field Engineers
• Royal Canadian Navy Weapons Engineering Technicians
• New Zealand (RNZAF Armourers)
• RNZA
• RNZN Gunners Branch