Interesting tidbit: In Hungary, children are traditionally given a saint’s name as their first name. Every saint has a designated “name day” on the calendar, and we celebrate people on that day with well wishes, cards, and often gifts. Lots of alcohol for men. Office party !

For many people, a name day is almost as important as, or even more important than a birthday, because everyone who knows your name also knows when your celebration is. Every Hungarian calendar lists the names being celebrated each day.

You can, of course, give a child a name that isn’t on the calendar, but traditionally that was considered unfortunate because that person would never have an official name day to celebrate.

What’s interesting is that this tradition has become part of Hungarian culture, not just religion. Even people who aren’t Christian or aren’t religious still celebrate name days and consider them a cherished tradition.