On a YouTube video about answering the question “Why I Have So Many Kids,” one mom joked that it was because she liked to eat a lot of birthday cake. There were some other good comedic answers, but that is the one that sticks out to me now.
Sometimes I like to think about how amazing life is, being a part of the Church. We have so much to celebrate – so much to be joyful about – no matter the day to day struggles this world brings. Since meeting my husband and discovering the rich traditions of living the Byzantine life, I have been introduced to the concept of names days. (Technically, names days are celebrated in the West too, but this isn’t well known around here).
A names day is the celebrating the feast of the Saint for whom you have been named. This may be your Christian name (the name you were baptized as) or your confirmation saint (as in my case, where there are no known saints who share my first name, yet). But why stop and just having parties for the saints named in the family? You could go so far as to celebrate saints weekly, as well as using the feast days as a way to educate your children about the holy life in the Church.
Saints Day Party Planning
Whether it is for a names day, or you just want to learn about and celebrate more saints as a family, a saints day party starts with consideration for the history of the saint and the liturgical colour.
Martyrs – Red
Saints who are not Martyrs – Gold/White
Mary and Archangels – Blue
Monastic Saints – Green
The liturgical colour of the saint is a good basis for decorating. This is also a good time to find a biography of the saint. Check the bio for details such as a strong relationship with Mary (add flowers to the decorations) or perhaps aestheticism (go for a minimalist look). It is always a good idea to find an icon of the saint, and display it prominently during the celebration. Flowers, candles, and embroidered cloth are all good for emphasis.
Food for Thought
I am no expert in the kitchen, but ByziMom is! She has many meal and treat suggestions that work for various saints. Check out her blog here! Otherwise, you could go for historicity and serve something that the saint might have eaten in their lifetime. Or from the saints culture (pasta and pizza for St. Rita of Cascia)! St. Rita’s story also includes bees bringing her honey as a babe, so honey snacks would also be fitting.
Other Celebratory Ideas
Obviously, going to church on any Saint’s day is a golden idea. So if it is possible for you to go and liturgies are available, that is the best way to celebrate.
Other ways to celebrate include reading a story about the saint, singing/praying the tropars or even akathists to the saint is that is available, doing a saint colouring page, and discussing with your children what it means to be a saint. Further to the what it means to be a saint – after reading the biography of the saint, brainstorm as a family ways the saint’s example can lead each of you to grow in holiness. If you like party games, your young ones might like some of these saints party ideas from Catholic Icing.
Finally, if this is a names day celebration, calling or visiting with the godparents would be great as well. Gifts can be given to the child, and the child could give a gift, a letter, or a card to the godparents.
The Byzantine Life
Thank you for checking out this week’s article. If you haven’t already, you can read about Holy Week, Easter Sunday, and Celebrating Easter throughout the entire season!
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