Theodore’s Name Day

By Jaedyn Rose

Theodore woke up bright and early this morning. He is excited to celebrate his Name Day today. In Greek culture, a Name Day is a celebration that honors the religious figure a person may share the same name with. The tradition is like a birthday, which makes Theodore more than happy to celebrate a second time!

Theodore wants to check in with his μπαμπά (bambá = dad) first to figure out how his family planned to celebrate his Name Day this year. He hopped out of bed and went down the stairs, finding his μπαμπά in the dining room.

“Μπαμπά, Καλημέρα (kah-lee-MEH-rah = good morning)! How will we celebrate my Name Day today?” Theodore asked.

“Καλημέρα, Theodore. It is common tradition for us to host and treat our guests during Name Days, so we should invite your friends over for lunch,” μπαμπά said.

Theodore and his μπαμπά made Souvlaki (soo-VLAH-kee), a small meat skewer for Theodore’s friends and him to enjoy together. When Theodore’s friends came over, they brought small gifts and wished him many blessings for his Name Day. It was safe to say that Theodore enjoyed his Name Day gathering this year!