The name Yuri, Yura is not among the most popular nowadays. Modern children are hardly called that, although earlier it was quite common. In addition, in the pre-revolutionary era, the name Yuri was often given to children from noble and noble families. At the same time, Yuri's name day was also celebrated, which was considered the main holiday in the life of such a person. By the way, the tradition of celebrating name days is gradually returning to our lives, so you need to know what dates they fall on and how to celebrate them correctly.
Meaning of name
Before you know everything about Yuri's name day, you need to shed some light on the meaning of this name. After all, absolutely every name means something, and sometimes the fate of a person depends on it. Although believers believe that it is exclusively in the hands of the Lord.
So, the male name Yura, Yuri is of ancient Greek origin from the name George. The resulting Russian form of this word means "farmer", "cultivator of the land". Egor, Egoria, George are considered close names.
Yury's birthday. What does this holiday mean
Previously, name days were considered an event of an exclusively religious nature, but today they have been given a more secular character. But,despite this, such a day was, is and will be a holiday of the soul.
Previously, a person was given a name at baptism, which took place on the 8th day after his birth. At the same time, they named him in honor of that saint whose day of memory or veneration was next to the date of birth of the baby. So the child acquired his high patron. And the day of the name day became such a date of memory or veneration of the holy namesake.
Name day traditions
As already mentioned, name days were once the main holiday in a person's life. This day began with a trip to the church, where the hero of the occasion took communion and confessed. In addition to him, close relatives went to the church, who ordered the service, lit candles. The birthday man was supposed to put candles near the icon of his patron saint. Yuri's name day was no different in this respect.
After church affairs, it was supposed to gather a festive dinner for family and relatives. Homemade dishes were put on the table, there were a lot of pastries - pies and loaves. It was also customary to distribute goodies to neighbors, the largest loaves relied on godparents. Baking was stuffed with jam, berries, fish, mushrooms. At the same time, pies could be both open and closed. The most important loaf was placed in the center of the table so that everyone could see the name of the hero of the occasion laid out on it with dough. This is how Yuriy celebrated his birthday.
Angel's Day, or When is Yuri's birthday
All name day dates for each name are determined based on the data of the church calendar. So,Yuri celebrates his name day on February 17 (the day of Georgy Vsevolodovich Vladimirsky, the Grand Duke); August 13 (day of Yuri Petrogradsky, Novitsky). These days Yuri's name day is celebrated according to the church calendar.
What they give for name day
Since the name day is a spiritual holiday, gifts for it were given appropriate for the occasion. The best gift was considered to be an icon depicting the saint whose name the birthday boy bears. They also donated church literature and paraphernalia.
There was another great tradition. This is a measured icon, which was drawn by hand. Its size at the same time fully corresponded to the growth of the child. These symbols were considered powerful amulets, they were taken with them on the road, on a long journey. They also acted as a means of communication between a person and his patron saint.
Measured icons accompanied a person throughout his life, and then were inherited as a family heirloom. As for the materials of manufacture, simple icons, icons made with precious materials and stones, were given for name days. At the same time, wood or canvas was used as the basis for drawing a picture. However, the gift was valued not for cost and external beauty, but for its original purpose - to be a means of communication with God and the patron saint.
The story of the patron of all Yurievs
Yury's birthday according to the Orthodox calendar is celebrated on February 17th. This day is the day of memory of Georgy (Yuri) Vsevolodovich, the Great Prince of Vladimir. His relics were found for the church in1645, after which he was canonized by the Orthodox Church. Georgy Vsevolodovich was canonized as the holy noble prince Georgy Vsevolodovich.
What made this extraordinary person famous? It should be noted that his role in the history of Russia to this day is not unambiguous, many historians still argue about the correctness of his actions during the reign. Perhaps for this reason, his name is shrouded in various myths and legends. But one thing is certain - Prince Yuri Vsevolodovich died in 1238 during a difficult battle with the Mongols who came to Russian land. His whole family was burned, and his head was cut off. The remains of the prince were found on the battlefield and identified by the prince's clothes.
After the canonization, February 17 was appointed the day of memory of Prince Yuri (George) Vsevolodovich, on which every Yuri celebrates the day of the angel and his name day.