Orthodox girls' names: the centuries-old Russian tradition

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Over the last few centuries, the Orthodox girls names given to them guarded higher power helped them cope with all the adversity that only meet them on the way.In addition, they also play a huge role in the formation of Russian culture and its subsequent development.

old Russian traditions and their contemporary changes

According to Russian tradition, Orthodox girls were given names according to the month of birth.There is a Christian church calendar, which specifies the days of the birth of the holy people, various significant dates, and other interesting data.For example, the Orthodox girls' names in August (Mary Anne) will correspond to a saint or an ordinary woman, who this month have done something or have happened in their lives, some events have left their mark on the fate of others.This tradition is still preserved, but some changes she still endured.

Firstly, despite the fact that most of the names, which are called calendar, came to the Russian culture of the Greek, Latin and Hebrew.However, this list is not limited to today.Recently, widely used, and other non-canonical Slavic names.They tend to be German or Scandinavian origin.Typically, these names are canonized by the Russian churches, and they were religious figures.But many of them have remained outside the canon.

Secondly, most of the names today have undergone some changes with respect to the sound.This is due not ecclesiastical or human whims and changes within the language itself.For example, if the child previously named John, in modern times it is Ivan, or past John today - just Anna.

girl's name and mysterious ritual of baptism

should say a few words about the mysterious Christian ritual.There is a belief that when given at baptism Orthodox girls names, they can not tell anyone.They must be kept secret.It is believed that if someone else finds out how the name of the girl was baptized, it could have a negative impact on her life.It may cause damage or jinx.That is why almost all people in Russia who adhere to the Christian faith, are two names - the first recorded on the birth certificate, the second - is given at baptism.

names and social status

culture and old traditions were in each country, are no exception, and Orthodox.The names of the girls were chosen in accordance with the wishes of not only parents, but also focused on social status.That is, if the baby was born in an ordinary family of commoners, it could not be called as aristocratic.Today, the approach to this issue is more democratic, and you can choose any name brand.

name as a talisman

Since ancient times, all the parishioners believed that in life they must have their own amulet or talisman.Only with their responsibilities in coping Christianity Russian Orthodox names.The girls were called so that they have found a good man, could find the strength to support him, and at the same time always keep the house clean.The boy chosen completely different - those that help them cope with all the plagues and illnesses.Unfortunately, few of today believe that the name may somehow protect, but that if these rules were maintained for centuries, then they have a definite meaning.