The best thing about a multi-cultural society is that no matter how much you think you know about other cultures there is always something new to learn. My latest learning, from Mirela, is about Name Day. Nearly every day of the year is dedicated to a saint or martyr of Orthodox Christians. When someone is named after one of those saints, then that day of the year becomes their Name Day. In Greece, and perhaps in other European nations, Name Days seem more celebrated than birthdays. However, in contrast to birthdays where we make a fuss of the celebrant, on Name Days it is the celebrant who makes a fuss of us.

Today it was Mirela’s Name Day (she is named after Maria) so she took us to our local to celebrate.