The 7th of January marks the date of my Namesday. One of my first posts was about my name so if you’d like to find out a bit more about my name feel free to have a read.
According to Greek Orthodox tradition, most days of the year are dedicated to a Christian saint. January 7th is the day of Saint John the Baptist and it is the Namesday for all Greek people named Ioannis/ Ioanna. In Greece a person’s Namesday is considered more important than a Birthday and it is always celebrated in Greece. Being half Greek, half English, I celebrate both (win win for me!).
This year I celebrated my Namesday on Saturday (as my sister headed back to Uni on Sunday and I wanted her to be there) by going for a meal at a Greek restaurant close to home with my family. It was a lovely evening, my family were very generous and gifted me quite a few things including the beautiful roses pictured. I don’t know if I’ll be doing anything tonight as the mister is working late, so as I’ll be home alone I’ll probably treat myself to a pamper and film night.
Have you heard of Namesdays before?
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I have heard of name days before, but I can’t remember exactly who from! It could have been one of my dad’s Russian colleagues, or a friend with a Lithuanian step-mother. I found the concept really strange at first- a whole day dedicated to people with a certain name?! But I love hearing about other people’s traditions and now I think the idea is a great one. Is there a particular greeting you use to wish someone a ‘Happy Names Day?!’
Jennifer x
Ginevrella | Lifestyle Blog
Namesdays are celebrated in quite a few countries, I think Russian Orthodox may celebrate it too. Yes Happy Namesday in English :) xx
Ahh great- well now I will know to say Happy Namesday if someone tells me it’s theirs! x
:) xx
I’m greek too!
Happy name day, lovely blog
Katie Loves ~ A Fashion & Beauty Blog.
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thank you so much Katie, that’s very kind of you! xx
I really enjoyed this post & learning more about Greek culture that I was not very well aware of before!
x Melvina
http://www.melvinaduka.blogspot.com
thank you Melvina, I’m pleased you liked it xx
I’ve never heard of a namesday before, but it sounds so lovely! Your rose is absolutely beautiful xx
Gemma | missmakeupmagpie.com ♡
thank you very much Gemma :) xx
Happy Namesday! We have that here in Sweden too, and back in time it used to be celebrated, but no one really does now days. My grandmother always remembers mine though and give me a call or a message on Facebook ;) xx
lifeofannas.com
Thank you Anna, how lovely that your grandmother still remembers yours :) xx