Middle Eastern children dress in costumes for a holiday similar to Halloween
Long before trick-or-treating became a global phenomenon, children across the Levant began dressing in disguises and knocking on doors to celebrate the daring escape of a third-century martyr named Saint Barbara.
On December 4th, communities in nations like Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan celebrate Eid il-Burbara. This festival honors Saint Barbara, who lived in the 3rd century. Legend says she disguised herself in many different costumes to flee from her father's persecution.