Name Days

There is a widespread tradition throughout many parts of the world to celebrate name days. Originally, name days were days celebrating saints of various names on certain dates. This also meant that humans - and dogs - who held these names could be celebrated on the name days. In recent year, the trend towards a more secular society have stripped name days of most of its Christian meaning, but they are still commemorated.

It has annoyed me for a long time that most of the dogs of our family have given names that do not correspond to any name day in the Swedish calendar. However, there are Japanese name days too, which suits Shiba Inus and any dog with a Japanese given name. My daughter Anzu's given name is of Japanese origin, meaning apricot. I have learned today that Anzu has her name day today, on the 1st of April, by the Japanese calendar! Congratulations, dear Anzu!