Name day (angel's day) is the day of remembrance of the saint, by whose name a certain person is baptized. So, every day of the calendar is dedicated to the memory of several saints, at baptism, a Christian receives the name of one of them, as well as his patronage.
Natalya's birthday is celebrated on September 8 in honor of the wife of Andrian of Nicodemia, who was executed for believing in Christ by Emperor Maximian. When the torture was carried out, Natalya supported her husband, encouraged, comforted him, because she was afraid that, seeing the suffering of other martyrs, he would not succumb to the influence of the emperor. In the end, she asked that the execution begin with Andrian, but she herself died in the place of the burial of her husband, in Byzantium.
On this day, an angel is sent to baptized Natalya in protection and help, he will constantly strive to fill her soul with love for the Almighty and neighbor, as well as open her spiritual vision and help in all good undertakings.
Understanding the difference between Natalya’s birthday and her birthday, you can easily understand the difference in their celebration. It should be borne in mind that the day of the angel is endowed with a deep spiritual meaning, since these are moments in memory of the patron saint. Therefore, on September 8th it will not be enough to invite guests to a festive feast; on this day there must be a visit to the church, communion and confession, and you need to prepare for this in advance. In addition, you must learn the prayer of your saint.
Of course, on Angel's Day, you can arrange a festive dinner in the circle of close people, but there is no place for noisy fun. It should be a quiet conversation and a quiet celebration. It should be borne in mind that if Natalya’s nameday falls during fasting, then the table should also be fasting. Before the meal, you need to read the prayer to the saint, talking on this day is recommended about something high, spiritual.
It should be noted that the tradition of celebrating the birthday of Natalia, the date of which we already know, was still in ancient Russia. Then this holiday was called “Natalya Ovsyanitsa”, since this day is related to the harvesting of oats. So, an oat sheaf was brought into a hut and placed in a corner under the icons. Then everyone sat down at the table, ate jelly and pancakes with honey, and when they left, they thanked the hosts.
The owners gave the workers dishes with porridge and pancakes from oats to the ovine (workplace), since there was a belief that treats should be eaten exactly under the ovine, this will help to save crops from fire and rot. So passed in the old days name day with Natalia.
It was believed that if on the day of the angel Natalia hears the singing of oatmeal, she will be happy in life. She always called this bird for help: if she was unwell, she was in a bad mood or someone from the cattle did not return home, for example, a cow from a pasture.
So the name day of Natalia should be filled with light, quiet joy. You need to prepare for them in advance, first of all you need to prepare for Communion, and only then choose gifts and a festive outfit.
It should be said that the old traditions are not forgotten, today they again enter our lives, constantly repeating them, we pass on the experience to our children, supporting the culture and customs of our ancestors.