SI-NRW joined other companies around the globe to mark St Barbara’s Day on 4 December.
Saint Barbara is the patron saint and protector of miners and tunnellers.
Saint Barbara is first mentioned as a saint in the 7th century but became increasingly well-known from the 9th century on. In the 14th century she was recognised as one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, a group of saints who became particularly venerated due to the belief that they could protect against disease and sudden death.
It is a strong tradition of miners and tunnellers, regardless of religion, to have shrines or a statue of Saint Barbara at the tunnel portal to watch over the tunnel and those working within it during construction.
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