Did you know that in Romania you get two birthdays? We'll sort of. One is the day you were born, and the other is your name day. Celebrating one's name day, known as "ziua onomastică" or "ziua numelui," is a cherished tradition that holds significant cultural importance. This custom, deeply rooted in the country's Orthodox Christian calendar and heritage, offers Romanians an additional opportunity to celebrate themselves and their loved ones each year. This also means you get a day to celebrate yourself without having to be reminded you are getting older. Sounds like a win-win.
What is a Romanian Name Day?
Name days in Romania are the feast days of the patron saints after whom people are named. In other words, if you are named John, your name day would be on the feast day of St. John, which is January 7th. This tradition stems from the practice of naming children after Christian saints, a common custom in the Romanian Orthodox church as well as other Orthodox countries. Unlike birthdays, which are unique to each individual, name days are shared by everyone with the same name as the saint and are celebrated on the same date each year. Those with popular variants of the name also celebrate. For example, Stephan could also be Stefan or Fane.
Other parts of Europe such as Greece, Czech Republic and Slovakia also celebrate name days. In Romanian culture, name days are often considered as important as birthdays, and in some cases, even more significant. This is particularly true for older generations and in more traditional or rural areas of the country.
How Name Days are Celebrated in Romania
Name day celebrations in Romania can vary depending on the individual, family traditions, and regional customs, however, there are some common practices. Friends and family members often give greeting and well-wishes. A common phrase used is "La mulți ani!" which means "Many happy returns!" Some people organize small gatherings at home or in restaurants to celebrate with close friends and family. While not as common as birthday gifts, many people give small presents or flowers to those celebrating their name day. The person celebrating their name day might bring treats to work or school to share with colleagues or classmates. More religious individuals often attend a church service or light a candle in honor of their namesake saint.
It's worth noting that the level of celebration can vary greatly. While some people throw parties comparable to birthday celebrations, others might simply appreciate a few kind words or messages from loved ones. It may also depend on how many others are celebrating on the same day. For instance, almost 2 million people celebrate St. John's day on January 7th each year. It is celebrated after epiphany day which is on January 6th and marks the end of the winter holidays. St. John's day, or the synaxis of St. John, is one of the most important religious holidays of the year. In fact, in 2023 it was made a national holiday where public offices and many private businesses are closed. On this day, many people attend mass and wash their faces with holy water to be blessed in the year to come. They also gather with family and friends for a dinner to celebrate.
How to Find Your Romanian Name Day
Finding your name day in the Romanian calendar is usually simple. You can consult an Orthodox calendar. You can also find websites where you can search for a specific name. If you are having trouble finding your name, try looking for variations on your name or related names. Also look for the masculine or feminine version of your name. Some names are associated with multiple saints. In this lucky case, you get to choose which day to celebrate. If you have a name that's not traditionally Romanian or not associated with an Orthodox saint, you might choose to celebrate on All Saints' Day (November 1st) or select a name that's close to yours.
Here are some popular Romanian name days to give you an idea:
- Maria (virgin Mary): August 15th (Assumption of Mary) and September 8th (Nativity of Mary)
- Ioan/Ioana (Saint John/Jane): January 7th
- Gheorghe (Saint George): April 23rd
- Elena (Saint Helen): May 21st
- Andrei (St Andrew): November 30th (Saint Andrew's day is also a national public holiday)
- Nicolae (St Nicholas): December 6th
Romanian name days offer a unique and meaningful way to celebrate one's identity and cultural heritage. Whether you're Romanian, have Romanian ancestry, or are simply interested in adopting this charming tradition, celebrating a name day can be a delightful addition to your annual celebrations. It's a custom that not only honors religious and cultural traditions but also provides an extra opportunity for joy and recognition each year. Who wouldn't want to be celebrated on two days of the year?
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