What is an onomastico?

Have you ever heard of an “onomastico” or “name-day”?

In some parts of Italy, this celebration is more important than birthdays! Let’s learn what it’s all about.

Essentially, an “onomastico” is the feast day of the saint you’re named after.

Naming conventions in Italy usually revolve around naming a child after a grandparent (typically paternal) or choosing a name based on a devotion to a particular saint or the saint celebrated on the day of birth. Back in the day, this tradition eased the burden of choosing names when families were larger, and multiple names were needed.

So where did the tradition of celebrating your name-day come from?

The “onomastico” is one of the oldest anniversaries in history! It’s tied to Catholic religious traditions where saints play a pivotal role as intercessors and examples of how to live a virtuous life of faith, hope and charity. In Italian culture, saints are also patrons of cities, towns, professions and more, offering protection and favour in these specified areas.

So, it’s no surprise that naming a child after a saint carries important significance, connecting the newborn child to the life and works of the saint (or martyr) who greatly impacted the Christian culture. Similarly, families may also choose names based on a personal devotion to a saint to express gratitude.  

The significance of names is also traced back to the biblical era, where God often changed names to signify a person’s purpose or mission on earth.

To celebrate an “onomastico” is just like celebrating a birthday, everyone has their preference however, it is common to bring the family together to cut a cake for all the people who celebrate their onomastico (it’s also common for multiple family members to have the same name).

If you find yourself with a name that doesn’t correlate with a saint or martyr, then you would celebrate on All Saints’ Day (1 November).

So, when is your onomastico celebrated?

Source: SoloLibri.net; NostroFiglio.it