Name days are the celebration of the saint's day, in honor of which a person was given a name. In Orthodoxy and among Catholics, at baptism, a person is given a name in memory of the saint on whose day the person was baptized.
Instructions
Step 1
From the moment a person is named, he has a patron saint, whose name he should henceforth bear. The choice of a name is made before the sacrament of Baptism is performed, so you should prepare and get acquainted with the lives of the saints (there may be several of them). Study the life and deeds of the saint whose name you want to wear and try to lead a dignified lifestyle, strive to repeat the deeds that he did, that is, to accept him as a role model.
Step 2
The second option is to choose a saint of the same name, after whom you want to be named. All questions about choosing a name and determining the date of the name day should be coordinated with the clergyman.
Step 3
In past centuries, in Russia, instead of a birthday, name days were celebrated, but over time, the tradition lost its relevance, and for many years of unbelief deprived this day of spirituality. Previously, name days were celebrated on a grand scale and had their own customs (sending birthday pies to guests, preparing various dishes, breaking a pie over the birthday person's head, etc.), but now it all comes down to a banal feast and another occasion to have fun.
Step 4
In fact, celebrating the name day according to Christian traditions means visiting the temple on a memorable day, confessing and receiving communion, thanking God for all the blessings, and paying tribute to your patron saint in prayer. The festive table is organized, but everything is done decorously, calmly and without noisy cries and alcoholic excesses. It will be good if the family begins to celebrate the birthday of all relatives, then it will be possible to instill in the next generation respect for the spiritual holiday.
Step 5
The closest and dearest people gather at the festive table: parents, including godparents, children, relatives and friends.
Step 6
On name days, it is customary to give gifts, but always with a spiritual meaning, pure and strengthening the faith. The best choice is to present a person with an icon with the face of his patron saint, literature, church candles, etc. It is considered a good tradition to offer a measured icon that will protect its owner from evil spirits and evil forces throughout his life. Babies can be presented with a personalized icon, a sacred book, some of the necessary things (clothes, toys, etc.).
