If you're traveling to Italy or Greece this summer you may hear something about onomasticas or saints days.This when people celebrate the saint they've been named for. Celebrations could include small gifts or better yet some special meal or treat. Onomastica day usually means a favorite food of to be made, whether it's an elaborate dish like risotto or something as simple as an ice.
The name onomastica derives from the Greek and was a way of code way of distinguishing Christians from pagans in the Church's early days. If someone had a saints name like Mary or John a fellow Christian would know their religion and act accordingly with them. (Most Christians were either jailed or killed for openly practicing this "new religion."). As the centuries passed and Christianity became the leading religion, saints days became a second birthday. Children were given small gifts and even cakes. In some Italian provinces a saint' s day dictates that a favorite meal is to be made. A saint's day is also called a feast day and a namesake church may have a three day to week long celebration of all sorts of fun foods from sausages to zeppoli.
Some saints' have their own built in treats .St Joseph's Day, which is March 19th, has its' cream puffs . These are lush concoctions that are filled with cannoli filling and topped with a cherry.Of course there are the more famous St. Valentine's Day and St Patrick's Day. These are universally celebrated with more than enough hoopla. Both have all sorts of tie in foods and drinks. However as with any onomastica it boils down to what the namesake wishes to eat.
Celebrating your saint's day is a good way to tap into tradition and understanding the early church.It's also a good day to have others treat you with a favorite meal or sweet. If you're named Elizabeth ,then enjoy today, St . Elizabeth's Day.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
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