In the beginning of the Greek Orthodox religion, these celebrations were mainly observed as saint's days, but later became individual 'namedays'. Nowadays namedays are considered much more important (and easier to remember) than a person's actual birthday. In most cases, it is a tradition in Greece, that when a person has a nameday, he or she gives an 'open-house' party where refreshments are offered to friends and acquaintances alike.

During a nameday, it's usual to call your friends to wish them 'chronia polla', or 'be blessed with many years' and also 'na ziseis' or ' live long'. When visiting your 'nameday' friend, take along a gift (usually a box of sweets, flowers or a plant).