Today is my name day—a special day in Latvia and many other European countries where names hold as much meaning as birthdays. Unlike birthdays, which are personal and unique, name days are communal celebrations, with others who share your name also marking the occasion. It’s a lovely tradition that brings a sense of connection and belonging.
In Latvia, name days are listed in the calendar, tied to certain days of the year. Mine happens to fall on January 27th, and it’s a sweet reminder to pause and appreciate the significance of my name, its roots, and the traditions tied to it.
This morning, my family greeted me warmly, reminding me how cherished these small traditions are. I made a cup of coffee and enjoyed bite-sized pastries (I don’t know the right name for the cakes in the picture).
Name days don’t require big parties or grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s just about receiving a call or message from someone who remembers. Those heartfelt wishes, even if brief, warm my heart.
This year, I don’t plan to celebrate, as our ongoing renovations don’t leave much room for anything grand. But I think that’s what makes this day even more special—it fits into the rhythm of life without demanding too much.
For me, this day is a beautiful reminder of Latvian culture, a piece of home that feels like a warm hug, even in the wet and dark of winter.
Ilze
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a day in the life of a latvian mom 
What a beautiful tradition!
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Thank you! Namedays are such a lovely way to celebrate and feel connected to our traditions. It’s always heartwarming to receive kind words or a little greeting—it makes the day feel extra special! 😊 I found out, that Mini is on the 15th of August, if you want to celebrate 🙂
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How nice!
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Thank you! Have you ever celebrated yours? It’s on June 24th 🙂
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No, we don’t really celebrate our names here, though that would be a good time to do so since my birthday is June 16th!
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Here, it’s often called “cheap parenting” when parents choose the name day in the same week as the birthday. 🙂
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What an excellent tradition. I hope it ushers in your pain relief
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Thank you so much! I really appreciate your kind words. I hope so too—anything that brings relief is always welcome!
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Happy Name Day! My husband’s is 28th January (today already in NZ).
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On 28th we have Kārlis 🙂 Happy name day to your Husband.
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Yes – he is Karl!
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Happy Name Day. This is a beautiful tradition. Enjoy your mini cupcakes.
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