Celebrate Name Days in May
Around the world we celebrate birthdays, but traditionally, the Greeks place more significance on their Name Days.
Name Days are not birthdays. Name Days, or holy days, date back to Ancient Greece. According to the Orthodox Church, every day of the year has been dedicated to the memory of a Saint or a martyr from the Holy Bible and Holy Tradition. Additionally, each region and island in Greece has a patron saint. Locals from those areas and islands will often name a child after its patron saint.
All ages celebrate Name Days. Typically on one’s Name Day, you’ll see children bring sweets to grade school while adults bring sweets to work. The day is celebrated with a big feast, family and friends, and small presents may be given. Additionally, youth may go out to celebrate the occasion with their friends, as many do on their birthday. The emphasis is more on celebrating rather than gifts.
Name Days in May:
May 2 – Zoodochou Pigis
May 3 – Timotheou
May 4 – Pelagias
May 5 – Eirinis
May 6 – Serafim
May 7 – Akakiou
May 9 – Christoforou
May 10 – Simonos
May 11 – Kurillou & Methodou
May 13 – Sergiou / Glykerias
May 15 – Paxomiou
May 17 – Andronikou
May 18 – Ioulias
May 19 – Menandriou
May 21 – Kon/nou & Elenis
May 27 – Ioannou Rosou
May 28 – Tis Analipseos
May 29 – Theodosias
May 30 – Isaakio
Χρόνια πολλά!