Celebrating Greek Name Days

[kosta_karapinotis]

What do people here do to celebrate their name days? Most people barely even remember all the name days, and last year I almost forgot about it. But I know that some people love to honor their name day. I am curious what people do. I have a friend who tries to go to church if there is a service. Other friends go out for dinner, as if they are celebrating a birthday.

 

[Jawge]

What do people here do to celebrate their name days? Most people barely even remember all the name days, and last year I almost forgot about it. But I know that some people love to honor their name day. I am curious what people do. I have a friend who tries to go to church if there is a service. Other friends go out for dinner, as if they are celebrating a birthday.

I go to church as I do most Sundays. We used to get a flower but that stopped.

 

[Xpisto]

When growing up (I am now 85) I never knew anyone's B'day. We only celebrated name days, and they were big house party events with lots of food, music, dancing and drinks with relatives and friends. My name day was easy to remember since my name is Xpristos (Christ). If you are guessing, it is Christmas day. Those parties seem to have gone by the wayside. In fact I don't recall going to any name day parties after my dad died in 1957. And, I don't recall either of my sisters who married Greek boys ever celebrated name days.

 

[k_tsoukalas]

I have every intention to really honor my name day but some years, it totally passes me by, especially if the day doesn't fall on a Sunday. I celebrate both Saint Katherine (birth certificate) and Saint Kaliope (baptismal name) ... This past year I totally forget Saint Kaliope is celebrated in June. I have a calendar alert now. I would love to treat the name days as if they were my birthday!