Choosing a name for the child is a very important decision. It is believed that the fate of the baby will depend on how you name the baby. Each name has its own special energy and meaning, bestowing on its carrier certain qualities and character traits that form its life path. Therefore, we must approach this matter very responsibly. You can, of course, just take the name that you like in sound, or name the child in honor of a person significant to you. But there are other selection criteria.
For example, some parents try to choose a name for their baby according to the church calendar. It is also called the month of the word or "Saints".
Saints
In this list, all Christian holidays are indicated and the dates of memory of saints canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church are indicated. Such were recognized as people who led a pious lifestyle, observing the letter and the spirit of church rites. In total, Svyattsy currently contains almost 2,000 names, but their list continues to grow due to the canonization of new personalities.
For almost every day, one or more saints are commemorated. When you name a child in the name of a particular righteous person, you provide him with lifelong protection and patronage of that person. However, you should not give the children the names of the great martyrs, otherwise you will doom them to a difficult life, filled with difficulties and hardships.
Birthday, Name Day, and Angel Day
Not everyone knows the difference between these concepts. But if you name a child according to the Saints, then you need to understand him. Birthday is a day of a person’s physical birth. It happens, as you know, once a year, unlike name days, which can be celebrated 2 or more times, depending on the number of references to the name of the saint in whose honor the child was named, in the church calendar. But what is Angel's day? It is believed that this is a synonym for name day. However, this interpretation is not entirely correct. Angel Day is equivalent to the day of the sacrament of Baptism, when a person before God receives his name, and with it also receives the protection of a certain saint.
How to choose the Orthodox name
It is best, of course, to call the baby the name of the righteous who is revered on his birthday. It’s good if there are several choices and canonized personalities. However, the names of the dates on the church calendar are not evenly distributed. It happens that there are too few of them for a specific number and among the available list you will not find one that you like. Or maybe all of them will sound too untimely and strange for today's time. Then how to name a child according to the church calendar? First of all, look at what saints are worshiped the next day, perhaps you will find a suitable name there.
Also , the 8th day from the moment of birth is considered an important church date, because earlier at that time the baby was baptized. In addition, the figure 8 itself, symbolizing infinity, is sacred for Christians, and a long and happy life is promised to the child. Therefore, count from the moment of the birth of a son or daughter 8 days, find the corresponding date in the Orthodox calendar and find out what saints it is dedicated to.
Epiphany
If you still have not decided how to name the child according to the church calendar, then pay attention to the 40th day of his life and find the right number in the Holy Day. This date is very important, because it is then that the baby is brought to the temple, and the priest performs the baptismal ceremony on him, assigning him an Orthodox name, which can be selected from the list available in the month of the day.
These are the basic rules for selecting a name according to the church calendar.
Double name
A similar option is also practiced. If you gave a child a name that is not in the Saints, then at baptism he receives a church name that is close in pronunciation. Thus, a person in worldly life and according to his passport is called, for example, Diana, and his church counterpart is the name Darius. Or - the opposite situation, they want to call the baby the name of a saint who has long been outdated and in our time will only cause ridicule or mockery of others. In this case, an acoustically similar modern name is selected, which will appear on the birth certificate and which a person will be called in ordinary life.
Birth month value
It must be borne in mind that depending on the month in which the child was born, he has a set of certain qualities. From this point of view, the question of how to name a child according to the church calendar becomes even more important, since a correctly chosen name can correct potential negative character traits. Moreover, in boys and girls born in the same month, they may differ.
How to name a girl on the church calendar
There are much fewer female names in Saints than male names. This is due to the fact that among the ministers of the church there were more representatives of the stronger sex. In this case, you can do one of the following methods. For example, to choose a daughter’s analogue of a man’s name, say, call her Sasha, if on the day the girl was born, a saint, whose name is Alexander, is worshiped. You can also pick up a similar church name in sound (John-Joan, Agrippina-Arina).
Description of each month
January
This month is considered the coldest, because it is precisely on it that Epiphany frosts fall. Therefore, girls born in January have a strong-willed character, fortitude and the ability to withstand life's difficulties. However, often these qualities develop into stubbornness and unwillingness to put up with other people's shortcomings, hence problems in communicating with peers are possible. To mitigate the "masculine" qualities, it is better to choose a milder version, such as Irina, Julia, Elena, Anastasia or Eugene, when choosing a name.
February
The girls born this month are characterized by excessive emotionality and impulsiveness. When making decisions, they are often guided not by logic and common sense, but by feelings and momentary impulses. Such children have good makings of a leader, only you need to make their psyche more balanced by choosing a calm and lyrical name. For example, a girl can be called Maria, Inna, Catherine or Sofia.
March
The first spring month was reflected in the character of the "March" girls. They are very sensitive, modest, afraid to defend their position in the dispute, preferring to give in to an opponent or to compromise, which is sometimes unprofitable for them. But, being non-conflict persons, they easily get along with other people in any environment. They are characterized by excessive touchiness. These children need to strengthen self-confidence and self-esteem. The names Natalya, Anna, Olga, Nadezhda, Marina and Elena are best suited.
April
Girls born in April have a very high energy potential. Like spring, which has already felt its power over nature, they are ambitious, self-confident, have a powerful inner core that allows them to dominate others. Their character traits also need to be mitigated by a gentle and harmonious name. Good options: Daria, Maria, Eve, Irina, Vasilisa.
May
In principle, these girls are similar in nature to their April predecessors. In May, nature actively blooms under the influence of an increasingly hot sun. And women born this month have a bright personality, are not afraid to show it, though sometimes offending others. They are distinguished by intolerance and coolness of temper, which can be partially pacified with the help of a correctly chosen name. The following options are most suitable for them: Maria, Tamara, Faina, Zoya, Taisiya and Ksenia.
June
Such girls should be praised as often as possible, as they are overly susceptible to the world around them, especially to criticism. They have a "fine mental organization", increased vulnerability and resentment. Although in a difficult situation they are able to show will and courage. Vera, Valeria, Elizabeth, Sofia and Anastasia are good names for girls in June.
July
This month very kind, impressionable and, as a rule, creative natures are born. But they are characterized by self-doubt, increased criticality and doubts about their own abilities. Therefore, such children need constant support, especially moral, from adults and a name that would make them firmer and more determined. Then they will be able to reach great heights in the chosen activity. The girl can be called Margarita, Elena, Olga or Tatyana.
August
It can be considered the month of leaders. It is in August that girls are most often born with a strong and vibrant charisma that can attract people around them. They are smart, charming, artistic, love to be in the spotlight. Able to achieve great success in life. However, they are too dependent on the evaluation of other people. It is better for such children to give a double name.
Here are the most suitable female names in August according to the church calendar: Svetlana, Christina, Angelina, Sofia and Anastasia.
September
In girls born in the first autumn month, an unstable psyche, they often show increased nervousness and irritability, and cope with stress hard. However, by nature, these children are not conflicting and prefer not to get involved in disputes. Such girls are endowed with perseverance, hard work and determination. The name should help them become calmer and more harmonious. Irina, Vera, Raisa, Anna and Natalya - you can choose one of them.
October
Born this month - very practical and judicious person, endowed with a critical mind and pragmatic character. They are not peculiar to impulsive actions, making decisions, they are guided by logic and common sense. The names Zlata, Marianna, Taisiya, Vera and Ariadna add a little recklessness and emotionality.
November
In the last autumn month, when the weather is particularly severe, girls are born who are characterized by intransigence, selfishness and excessive obsession with themselves and their desires. But they are often very successful in achieving their goals and are able to get what they want. However, it is worth mitigating their temper with a more affectionate and “sweet” name, such as Anastasia, Maria, Nelly or Elizabeth.
December
Girls born this month are very hot-tempered, ready to explode even because of little things. But they also quickly move away, cool off, because they are very kind, honest from nature, they say what they think or feel at a particular moment in time. The names Catherine, Angelina, Anfisa, Vasilisa, Marina, Kira and Alexander will do.
How to name a boy according to the church calendar
The choice of names for boys is much wider, since there are much more canonized Orthodox males in the church calendar than females. Moreover, saints with the same name are often found. Therefore, it is advisable to study the biography of the person in whose honor you want to name the child.
Description of each month
January
Boys born this month are independent and independent, but may have difficulty making decisions. They are not very sociable, they usually have a few friends, but they remain faithful to them and are ready to come to the rescue at any moment. It is best for them to choose a firm and decisive name, such as Alexander, Ivan, Mikhail, Dmitry, Peter or Nikolai.
February
The “February” boys have a somewhat feminine character. They emotionally perceive the surrounding reality, taking everything to heart. But these are people who show great love and care for their loved ones and those whom they sincerely love.
How to name a child according to the church calendar with such a character? Most suitable names are Alexander, Vladimir, Eugene and Gennady.
March
Pronounced extroverts are born in the first spring month. They are incredibly optimistic, cheerful, sociable, with a great sense of humor, able to become the soul of the team and cheer up any company. Persistent in achieving the goal. The boy can be called Vasily, Dmitry, Pavel, Gregory or Victor.
April
April boys can be compared to the wind. They are constantly on the move, they need changes and new sensations. Such people are tired of monotony and routine. Very light on the rise. However, they responsibly approach the creation of their own family and will do everything possible for the happiness and well-being of their loved ones. Name options : Leonid, Dmitry, Nikita, Maxim and Pavel.
May
Boys born in May are endowed with high energy potential and good communication skills, they can find a common language with almost any person. At the same time, they are very reliable, you can always rely on such people. Male names in May on the church calendar that suit them: Peter, Sergey, Cyril and Alex.
June
June boys can be called lucky and minions of fate. They have good health, and fortune favors them throughout life. In the professional and personal spheres, they will succeed, however, only if they can overcome such qualities of their character as restlessness and lack of concentration. Name options: Dmitry, Kirill, Konstantin, Maxim, Nikolai.
July
These are born leaders with excellent organizational skills. Clearly and stubbornly go to the intended goal, creating the optimal strategy for achieving it. Excellent speakers who can inspire other people to do what they need, quickly make decisions, even in extreme situations, keeping their composure. The names Vladimir, Gleb, Gregory, Peter are suitable for them.
August
"August" boys are very modest and closed nature. They keep all the experiences in themselves, do not like to share them with others. However, they readily listen to other people's problems, are able to give valuable advice and come to the aid in difficult times. Men born this month are very reliable, have strong beliefs and values, which they remain faithful to the end. Names: Roman, Mikhail, Plato, Dmitry.
September
In the first month of autumn, bright and charismatic men are born. Among them are many creative and gifted personalities. With their energy and charm, they attract other people to themselves and fascinate them. They do not like and do not provoke conflicts. The list of possible names: Alexey, Andrey, Victor, Sergey, Vladimir.
October
This month, addicting, desperate and gambling personalities are born. The thirst for new emotions pushes them to adventure, sometimes too risky and crazy. They are able to both break a big jackpot and get rich quickly, and lose everything in one moment. They also have a tendency to drop a business that they have lost interest in halfway. The name given to them must be calm and "prudent." Options: Boris, George, Gregory, Alexander.
November
November men are wayward, stubborn, intolerant of other people's flaws, while they look rather indulgently at their own. However, they are very honest and straightforward, always say what they think. It is difficult to communicate with them, but you can be sure that such a person will tell you everything in person, since hypocrisy and duplicity are completely not characteristic of them. Suitable names: Dmitry, Pavel, Peter, Sergey, Philip.
December
The "December" boys are freedom-loving and stubborn, who can not stand objections. The last word should always remain with them. Also, they can not stand the monotony, they need a constant change of scenery. But, having an emotional explosive character, such men are often romantics and idealists. The name should contribute to the attainment of inner calm and poise. You can take one of the following: Alexander, Mark, Michael or Peter.
Now you know how to correctly name a child according to the church calendar, also taking into account the month of his birth, and you can choose the most suitable one from the available names.