In accordance with the Christian canons, the newborn baby anoint the name of a saint, referred to in the so-called the calendar - the lists of persons canonized by the Orthodox Church.As a rule, the child was given the name of the saint whose day of commemoration coincides with the date of his birth.If the child's parents did not know exactly on which day he was born (as was common at most of the illiteracy of the people), St. selected from the list, the most appropriate probable date.And so was born the tradition to celebrate the Day of Remembrance of the saint, whose name has been named a newborn.It was called "name day".
Every Orthodox family celebrates the holiday in their own way, as far as possible.Bu
t there were some general rules, which tried to follow.On the eve of the name day in the house of the culprit celebration prepared pastries: tarts, loaf.By the way, since that time and there was a song, "How to (name) birthday party baked loaf, we, here is a high, and that's so wide ..." Pies, as usual, carried the home with family and friends.The greater was the cake, the more respect this man turned out.Godmother, and her father was supposed to send a large cakes with sweet filling.However, in certain areas instead of cakes baked buns, topped with raisins.
Pie, badged as a gift, meant an invitation to a birthday party.According to custom, the one who brought cakes, had further to say the phrase: "The birthday cakes ordered to bow down and asked to eat bread."
All invited evening gathered in the house of the birthday, which showcases a feast with songs and dances.The food could have been different, that was dependent on the capabilities and culinary skills of each particular family.But I suppose not "lose face" and to treat people the glory.The decoration of the table was a big cake with a stuffing, decorated with raisins (many years later became a rule instead serve the cake).In the midst of this celebration cake birthday raised above his head and was broken so that it drizzled filling.And the guests in unison shouted: "In order for you as strewed silver but gold!»
most magnificently in Russia celebrated the name day of the king and queen, who were raised to the rank of public holidays ("Saint's day").After the October Revolution of 1917 began a fierce struggle against religious prejudices.And the name-day celebration gradually turned into a birthday celebration.