How do you celebrate name day in Greece?
Name Days in Greece are celebrated even more than birthdays, opposite to all other countries. On someone’s name day, there is an open house held and a feast is laid on for everyone who wants to come. Neighbors and friends or relatives usually call and can visit the house, without waiting for an official invitation.
Which countries have name days?
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines name days as “the church feast day of the saint after whom one is named.” Many cultures and countries around the world put precedence on celebrating these specific name days. Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Italy and Russia are just a handful of countries that honor this celebration.
What is an Orthodox name day?
In Christianity, a name day is a tradition in some countries of Europe and the Americas, and Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox countries in general. It consists of celebrating a day of the year that is associated with one’s given name. The celebration is similar to a birthday.
What do you give a Greek name day?
What to give family and friends on their Name Day? The most popular gifts to send to loved ones in Greece are flowers and cakes. Surprise them on their birthday with a beautiful flower arrangement inspired by the birth month flower. Or, pick a bouquet whose colors inspire happiness.
Why do Greek people celebrate name day?
Celebrating Greek name days is an Orthodox tradition observed throughout Greece. According to the Orthodox Calendar, each Greek name day of the year is dedicated to the memory of a saint or martyr; and there are usually more than one on the same day. Each saint or holy person has their own feast day.
How are Greek name days celebrated in Greece?
Greek Name Days. According to Greek Orthodox tradition, nearly every day of the year is dedicated to some Christian saint or martyr. When someone in Greece is named after one of these saints, that saint’s celebration day becomes their “name day” and is celebrated much like their actual birthday.
When is Greek name day if your name is not a saint?
However even if your name is not related in any way to a saint, don’t feel left out – Aghion Panton (All Saints Day) covers everyone whose name is not related to Christian tradition. This movable feast day is celebrated 56 days after Greek Orthodox Easter Sunday (so All Saints Day is on 14/06 in 2020).
How many Greek names are known or unknown?
The present Greek name day portal includes more than 3800 Greek first names with known name day and 980 Greek names with non established and thus unknown name day. Please comment using our contact form .
What’s the most common Greek name in Greece?
On this day: A big celebration in Greece, the Epiphany, also referred to as Ta Fota (The Lights), honors the presence of God during the baptism of Christ. also: John, Johannes, Johan, Johanna, Juan, Giovanni, Jean, Joan, Jan, Gjoni and Yahya On this day: Anastasios is one of the most common Greek names.