For several centuries, Orthodox names have been given to girls in order to be protected by higher powers, to help them cope with all the misfortunes that they will meet 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 modern changes
According to Russian traditions, Orthodox names were given to girls in accordance with the month of birth. There is a Christian church calendar, which indicates the days of the birth of all holy people, various significant dates, and other interesting data. So, for example, the Orthodox names of girls in August (Mary, Anna) will correspond to saints or ordinary women who did something this month or some events happened in their lives that left an imprint on the fate of those around them. This tradition has survived to this day, but it has undergone some changes.
Firstly, despite the fact that the bigsome of the names that are commonly called calendar came to Russian culture from Greek, Latin or Hebrew. However, the list is not limited to this today. Recently, other non-canonical Slavic names have also been widely used. They tend to be of German or Scandinavian origin. Usually these names were canonized by Russian churches, and they were worn by religious figures. But many of them have remained outside the canon.
Secondly, most of the names today have undergone some changes regarding the sound. This is due not at all to church or human whims, but directly to changes within the language. For example, if earlier a child was called John, then in modern times he will be Ivan, or in the past of John today - just Anna.
The name of the girl and the mysterious ritual of baptism
It should be said separately about the mysterious Christian ritual. There is a belief that when Orthodox names are given to girls during baptism, they should not be told to anyone. They must be kept secret. It is believed that if someone outsider finds out what name the girl was baptized with, then this can negatively affect her fate. It can be jinxed or damaged. That is why virtually all people in Russia who adhere to the Christian faith have two names - the first is written on the birth certificate, the second is given at baptism.
Names and social status
Culture and old traditions were in every country, are notOrthodox Christians are an exception. The names of the girls were chosen in accordance not only with the wishes of the parents, but also focused on the social status. That is, if the baby was born in an ordinary family of commoners, then she could not be called like an aristocrat. Today, the approach to this issue is more democratic, and you can choose absolutely any name.
Name as a talisman
Since ancient times, all parishioners of the church believed that in life they should have their own amulet or talisman. Only Russian Orthodox names coped with their duties in Christianity. The girls were called so that they would find a good man for themselves, be able to find the strength in themselves to support him, and at the same time always keep the house clean. The boys were chosen completely different - those that will help them cope with all the misfortunes and ailments. Unfortunately, in modern times, few believe that the name can in any way protect, but if these rules have been maintained for centuries, then they have a certain meaning.
