Tag Archives: Name Days

In my various conversations with my Cypriot friends occasionally the term ‘Name Days’ would arise and yet I’d never really got to the bottom of what they’re all about. So, on the last occasion, rather than admit my ignorance, I nodded sagely and hurried home to dear old Google for some education

I discovered that it’s not just Cyprus that has them, most Orthodox countries have them and a few others too! Now I think I’ve been fed a few lines about Name Days, most notably that there’s a bank holiday for each one. If that was the case then looking at the list I’d never be at work! Someone then told me that it’s like a personal bank holiday so when it’s your Name Day you have the day off work. Sounds great to me!

Thinking about it more deeply though I realised what a lovely idea it was. You celebrate your own birthday and then have a second celebration on the saint’s day after whom you were named. On that day it’s traditional to have a small get together of family or friends and if you are fortunate you’ll receive small gifts. I was invited to the Name Day party of my friend Dimitra in October and it was a beautiful occasion. We were blessed with a warm autumn evening and her garden was decorated with tiny lanterns. An icon of the saint had been placed in a candlelit corner of the garden and the evening had almost a reverence to it. Guests brought small gifts, carefully chosen, which included small bouquets of flowers. I’d taken a little carved jewellery box I’d found in a market but such was the beauty of the range of flowers given as gifts mine felt insignificant.

After a delicious meal served under the stars I talked to the host and she said she had loved the gifts of flowers as they had reminded her of the wonders of God that had brought her into the world and yet was also evident in the smallest, simplest flower.  So next time you’re invited to a name day party and are stuck for a gift, remember Dimitra’s words and visit Cosmea Gardens for that special gift