The ’Varvarynskaja Sviača’ Rite, which is practiced in Bascenavičy Village, Mscislaŭ District, Mahilioŭ Region, is associated with paying tribute. The distinctive feature of this Rite is that the tribute (colorful ribbons, fabric, traditional towels ručniks) can be brought only by women. The reason for that is that the Candle is made in honor of the Holy Martyr Barbara (Varvara), who was beaten to death by her own father for having professed Christianity. While bringing tribute, women are asking the Candle for help, they believe in its powers and are convinced that if the Candle comes to their home, it will bring wealth, health and happiness.
The Candle is shaped like a human with its hands raised upright and has “the body”, “the head” and “the arms”. Once a year, on December 16, on the eve of St. Barbara’s Day, the Candle is “rejuvenated”: new handmade candles are attached to the old ones, and the clothes are changed for the new ones (an underwear shirt, a dress, a belt, a wreath), and having dome this the women have a festive dinner. The next day, the women take the Candle to church for consecration. Last year's “clothes”of the Candle remain in the church and anyone can take some of them home for his/her family upon donating a contribution to the church. In the evening, women get together again to honor the Candle in its new home
