Oh, My Saint
I thought it was an appropriate day to do a little bit about one tradition in Cyprus which may never die … partly because it’s linked to the Greek Orthodox Calendar, religion not being my strongest point … However, to be baptized in the Greek Orthodox Church you need to be gifted a saint’s name, today, 17th January is Saint Anthony’s Day … and Cypriots called, Antonis, Antonia, Tony, and any other close to that, like me Andonagis, will celebrate this day just as it’s their birthday, buying the cakes for their family and friends, oh and, of course, it’s any excuse to light the BBQ.
Travelers
Saint Antony of Padua, was aka Anthony the Great, makes sense, he was also the patron saint of the poor, ha that covers it! … but occasionally, the patron saint of sailors, fishermen and of travelers, and priests. Although he was most known as the patron saint of the recovery of lost items …. haha or forgotten items in my case!
When’s Yours?
If you want to find out when your name day is Click Here coz it’s your turn to buy the cakes … and the greeting you make to those celebrating today is ‘Na Zissis’, sort of, ‘hope you live for many years’! … And remember many words in the English language come from the Greek language, so who knows what you might discover …
Cypriot Tradition Never Dies!
More …
