What is in a name? The Tradition of 'Name Days' in Greece.
In Greece, one’s name is not merely a matter of personal identity, it is a cause for celebration. According to the traditions of the Greek Orthodox Church, each day of the year is dedicated to a saint, martyr, or holy figure. Those who bear the name of a saint, that saint’s designated day of celebration becomes their ‘Name Day’. It is celebrated much like a birthday with a gathering of friends and gifts.
For centuries, Greeks have placed more importance on Name Days than on the date of birth. On your name day, Greeks expect calls from all their family wishing them the best for the year to come!
The eortologio, or calendar of saints, is the cultural compass. It tells you not only who you are, but when you are celebrated. A child named after St. Nicholas, for instance, may be born in summer, but the real celebration will arrive with the winter winds of December on St Nicholas’ feast day: 6th of December.
This July, Cassandra will be making her annual round of calls to Alexandra, Mary and Joseph on their respective Name Days coming up. On the morning of your Name Day, the phone begins to buzz. Cousins, neighbours, or that friend from university you haven’t seen in a decade, will call with the classic wish: Xronia Polla translating to “many years.”
Traditionally, one also attends church on your name day to lighting a candle and offer a prayer to the saint one is named after. An open house is held, and a feast is laid out for everyone to enjoy.
Name Days in the coming month are :
July 17th : Alexandra
July 22nd : Mary
July 31st: Joseph
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