névnap

Névnap is a tradition celebrated in many European countries, particularly in Hungary and other parts of Central and Eastern Europe, where it is a more significant occasion than a birthday for some. It refers to the feast day of a saint in the Christian calendar after whom a person is named. The specific name day associated with an individual is determined by the calendar date of the saint's commemoration.

The practice originated with the veneration of saints in the early Christian church. As a person's given name was often derived from a saint, it became customary to celebrate the saint's feast day as a personal observance. Over time, this custom evolved into a widespread cultural tradition.

Névnap celebrations can vary in scale. For some, it is a private affair with family and close friends, involving gifts and a special meal. For others, particularly children or those with popular names, it might be celebrated more publicly, with greetings and well wishes extended by colleagues, acquaintances, and even strangers. The specific day for celebrating a névnap is usually listed in a névnap naptár, or name day calendar, which is widely available. In some cases, a person might have multiple names associated with different saints, and they can choose which névnap to celebrate. The importance of névnap varies among individuals and families, with some prioritizing it over birthdays.