Today, every Thomas, Tom and Tommy you know shares a name day with the Greek tradition. It is the kind of celebration that travels easily across Montreal, from a cousin in Laval to the Tom at work, the classmate at university, or the across-the-street neighbour who has never heard of a name day but would probably smile at the message.
Thomas comes into English through Latin and French, but its deeper root is older and Semitic: from Aramaic Ta’oma or Toma, meaning “twin.” Greek preserved it as Thomas in the New Testament, and from there it passed into Latin as Thomas, then into the major languages of Europe, including English, where Tom and Tommy became familiar everyday forms. It is a good example of how a name can move through Greek into wider Western use while keeping its original sense intact.
In Eastern Orthodox Christianity, a person’s name day is the feast day of the saint after whom they were named at baptism.
That is why today may mean a phone call to your godfather Thomas, a quick stop to wish the local barber Tom well, or a text to a colleague named Tommy who has no Greek connection at all. The custom works beautifully in Canadian life because it is simple, generous, and easy to share: you do not need a big gathering, only the instinct to remember someone by name.
Chronia Polla! to everyone celebrating today, in Greek and non-Greek circles alike. If there is a Thomas, Tom, or Tommy in your contacts, today is a perfect day to send the wish along and introduce one small, lasting piece of Greek culture.
