The inclusion of the name Nina in the calendar was not accidental. Nina's name day is celebrated according to the church calendar in January, the 27th. A girl with that name was born in a small Georgian town. At the age of 12, Nina ended up in Jerusalem with her parents.
A bit of history
There, her parents took up worship, and the upbringing and education of the girl was handled by an old, wise woman.
Showing obedience and diligence in teaching, the baby soon learned to read the Holy texts of Christianity well.
It's been a few years. One day, the old woman told the girl that the light of Christianity had not yet been shed on Georgia, and also about a legend about one warrior who, thanks to a lot, received a chiton and took him to the country of Averia (Georgia). This greatly moved the girl. The young saint began to pray to the Mother of God to help Georgia turn to God and see the chiton of the Lord.
The Mother of God heeded Nina's prayers and appeared to her in a dream. The Blessed Virgin gave the girl a cross made of vines and said that he would protect her on the way. The Mother of God sent the saint toknowing Georgia to preach the gospel.
Waking up, Nina found a cross on her bed. Taking it, she turned to the patriarch of Jerusalem. After listening to the girl's story, he gave his blessing and sent her to the apostolic ministry.
Wonderful deeds
Celebrating Nina's name day, people talk about a saint who, during her journey to the country of Averia, performed miraculous deeds. The couple who sheltered her had no children, and thanks to the prayer of young Nina, the woman was healed of infertility. The story goes on of the miraculous salvation of a dying baby by the application of a grape cross.
After the saint performed a miracle for someone, the blessed ones walked around the village and glorified Jesus and his deeds. At the same time, they advised people in need of miraculous healing to turn to St. Nina.
The queen, who worshiped idols, fell seriously ill and, having called the girl to her, was freed from the illness. After being healed, she converted to Christianity. This is not the only miraculous phenomenon. King Merian, who wanted to exterminate all Christianity, was blinded by lightning and healed after promising to glorify Christ, which he told Nina about when he returned to the city.
Death of a saint
The Equal-to-the-Apostles saint conducted the baptism of people living in the mountains. Soon Nina found out about her imminent death and informed the king about it. Merian came to say goodbye to her. Having bequeathed to bury her in the place of her tent, she died.
When trying to transfer her remains, it was not even possible to move the coffin fromplaces. Some time later, a temple was built here. Masses of people flocked to Nina's coffin and were certainly healed of overcoming diseases.
Holy Names
The tradition of giving a newborn the name of a saint comes from the advent of Orthodoxy in Russian lands. When naming a child, people hope that the child will take a piece of his character and destiny. And the saint himself will be a guardian angel for the baby and throughout his life will protect him from troubles and adversities.
The name for the baby can be chosen on the day corresponding to the birth, dedicated to the memory of the saint. It can also be done on the 8th day and on the 40th. At the time of baptism, the name of the saint will be given to the child.
A man named after a saint celebrates Nina's name day on the day of her memory. As you know, it is the day of death. Before celebrating the name day, you should pray to your guardian angel.
Name celebration
The Orthodox tradition of celebrating the day of the angel goes back to the 17th century. For example, Nina's name day is celebrated not only by women, but also by men with a name in which there is a part of "nin". Preparations for the festive feast were carried out thoroughly. On the eve of the celebration, in the evening, they baked pies, Easter cakes and rolls.
Not only relatives were invited to the celebration. It was a universal celebration. Invitations were received by acquaintances and neighbors, the more people, the more fun and noisy the holiday. On Nina's name day, guests were invited not with postcards, but with freshly baked pies and rolls. The birthday boy had to visit the church and light a candle in front of the icon of hisangel.
By evening, the guests gathered and presented the culprit of the solemn holiday with gifts. When seating the guests at the table, the godparents were placed in places of honor. The festive mood was supported by a varied table setting.
The main thing at dinner was a pie, on which the name of the person who was congratulated was written. The baked cake for Nina's name day was always stuffed with fish, vegetables, fruits, berries and even porridge.
Traditions and beliefs
The main tradition was the breaking of the pie over the head of the birthday man. There was such a belief: the more porridge gets on him, the more happiness and good luck will be in his life. It was also necessary to break some dishes for happiness.
After the feasting part of the celebration, they proceeded to an entertaining moment, which included dances and songs, round dances and games. In conclusion, the hero of the holiday expressed gratitude to the guests for their congratulations and presented everyone with a symbolic gift.
It is unlikely that anyone will celebrate Nina's name day in 2014 as in ancient times. However, in modern times, the tradition lost during the revolution begins to revive. People busy with daily affairs and problems are happy to have the opportunity to meet with relatives and have a good time at the same table, wishing everyone he alth and a happy life.
