Italian Name Days: A Celebration of Saints and Tradition

Onomastico: A Special Day

In Italy, the onomastico is a special day celebrated to honor one's patron saint. The onomastico is typically celebrated on the feast day of the saint who shares the same name as the individual. This tradition dates back to the early days of Christianity when people were baptized with the names of saints.

The Importance of Saints

Saints are important figures in the Catholic Church, as they are considered to be examples of holiness and virtue. Catholics believe that saints can intercede with God on their behalf, and they often pray to saints for guidance and protection.

Popular Italian Names

Here are the top three popular Italian names given in Italy in 2015 and their onomastico: * **Sofia** - Celebrated on May 29 (Saint Sophia) * **Leonardo** - Celebrated on November 6 (Saint Leonardo) * **Francesco** - Celebrated on October 4 (Saint Francis of Assisi) or March 9 (Saint Francis of Paola) *** In conclusion, the onomastico is a special day in Italy to celebrate one's patron saint. This tradition is an important part of Italian culture and is a way to connect with the past and present.