Traditionally in Poland, your name’s day has been more of a celebration than your birthday. I can hear my American readers wondering, “What is a name’s day, and how do I get in on this?” As it was explained to my husband when he arrived, only your family celebrates your birthday, but everyone you know will help you celebrate your name’s day, often with gifts of sweets or flowers.
In this predominantly Catholic country, most people are named after a saint. The day associated with that saint’s feast is your name’s day. Today is my husband’s name’s day – Edward = 13 October.
 |
| Coffee macarons with white chocolate coffee ganache |
Most of the guys in his office bring in a cake their wife has made on their name’s day – much like I used to send cupcakes to school on our daughter’s birthdays. I love to bake cakes, but I have recently received a new cookbook. It is the ultimate authority on french macarons, and it has just come out in English. I was eager to try out the this technique, and the coffee flavor seemed like one of the most straight forward. They turned out well, but I do have room for improvement. It’s going to take practice, lots of practice. The plate was empty within a few minutes, so hopefully, or friends won’t mind serving as tasters while I perfect my craft.
PS- sadly, there is no name’s day for Lois. 🙁
An accountant by trade and a food blogger since 2009, Lois Britton fell in love with Polish cuisine during the years she lived in Poznań, Poland. As the creator of PolishHousewife.com, she loves connecting readers with traditional Polish recipes. Lois has a graduate certificate in Food Writing and Photography from the University of South Florida. She is the author of The Polish Housewife Cookbook, available on Amazon and on her website.
Kasia
Happy Name's Day to your husband!
My son is lucky. Thanks to his Polish mama he gets gifts for his name's day too. He is counting the days, since his is next Tuesday:)
The macarons look delicious.
If you are going to Lech's game tomorrow, you may see my father:) He will be there, since he has never been to the new stadium, and one of my cousins has offered a free
Lois B
Kasia – Happy name's day to your son too! We will be at the match tomorrow. I hope they win for your dad. It's so exciting to be part of the crowd when it goes our way!
Margaret G
Hello Lois,
Don't be sad. I am pretty sure there is a name's day for you too. Your name is probably English form of Polish Luiza. In that case your name's day is 25 of August. We were looking recently for a name's day for my son girlfriend Stacy and we succeeded.
I love Poznan, my father was born there long time ago. Please enjoy your time there.
Lois B
Margaret G – thanks for helping me find my name's day! We're loving it here. We're looking at December 1st and no snow yet.