In Greek families your ονομαστική εορτή, your name day, can matter as much as your birthday, and sometimes more. It’s the feast day of the saint you’re named after, and it comes with phone calls, visitors and a table full of sweets.
How it works
On your name day, people call to wish you χρόνια πολλά (many years). Traditionally the house is open: whoever drops by is welcome, and it’s up to you to feed them.
The big ones to know
- Georgios and Georgia: 23 April (moved after Easter if it falls before)
- Konstantinos and Eleni: 21 May
- Maria, Panagiotis and Despina: 15 August
- Dimitrios and Dimitra: 26 October
- Nikolaos and Nikoletta: 6 December
- Christos and Christina: 25 December
If you don’t have a saint’s name
Names without a saint are traditionally celebrated on All Saints’ Day, the Sunday after Pentecost. No one gets left out.
Χρόνια πολλά, κούκλα μου!