Birthday
HydrangeasThe feast of Saints Faith, Hope and Love and their mother Sophia — in Ukrainian, Vira, Nadia, Liubov and Sofia — is one of the best-known autumn name days in Ukraine. Four very common names are celebrated at once, so almost everyone has a mother, sister, colleague or friend to congratulate. Here is when the day is marked, where the tradition comes from, and which flowers and gifts suit each of the four.
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When it is celebrated
In 2023 the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church switched to the Revised Julian calendar, so in Ukraine the feast of Saints Vira, Nadia, Liubov and Sofia now falls on 17 September. It used to be celebrated on 30 September, and many people still send greetings on that date out of habit. If in doubt, follow the tradition of the person's family — what matters is the gesture itself.
The story behind the feast
According to tradition, Sophia was a Christian living in Rome in the 2nd century, during the reign of Emperor Hadrian. Her daughters Faith, Hope and Love refused to renounce their faith and were martyred; their mother buried them and died soon afterwards. The Church venerates them as holy martyrs.
The names come from Greek: Pistis (faith), Elpis (hope), Agape (love) and Sophia (wisdom). That is why the day is also seen as a celebration of the three Christian virtues and the wisdom from which they spring.
What to give on a name day
A name day is a more intimate occasion than a birthday. An expensive gift isn't necessary — it matters far more to show you remembered. Good ideas:
- Flowers — a small bouquet or a single beautiful stem. Ideas for each name are below.
- An acrostic card — a short poem where the first letters of the lines spell the name.
- A personalised keepsake — a mug, key ring or piece of jewellery with an initial.
- Sweets or a hamper — together with flowers, a ready-made gift. Browse our gift baskets.
- A houseplant — a gift that recalls the day all year round.
Which flowers to give each of them
There are no official "name flowers": the ideas below are based on the meaning of the names and the language of flowers. Choose what the person will actually enjoy.
For Vira (Faith)
Faith stands for trust and loyalty. White or pale flowers suit her: asters, lisianthus, white roses. Another idea is heather, which blooms in September — in Ukrainian the month (veresen) is even named after it. A potted heather can be planted in the garden or kept on a balcony and will last a long time.
For Nadia (Hope)
Hope is a name about optimism and light, so warm, sunny shades are a good match: orange gerberas, yellow chrysanthemums, sunflowers. Folk tradition links the name with calendula, a bright orange flower that blooms until the first frosts. Add a small treat, such as a calendula hand cream or soap.
For Liubov (Love)
For Liubov, roses are the best choice — the flower of love in the language of flowers. If she is your mother, colleague or friend, choose soft pink, cream or peach shades and save red for romance. Even a single rose can make an expressive gift. Ready-made bouquets are in our roses catalogue.
For Sofia (Wisdom)
Sophia means wisdom. The name is associated with white lilies, a symbol of purity. If lilies are too fragrant for her, choose white or cream chrysanthemums — classic autumn flowers that last a long time in a vase.
An autumn bouquet: what's freshest in September
The feast falls in early autumn, so a seasonal bouquet is easy: asters, chrysanthemums, dahlias, hydrangeas, roses, berry branches and autumn leaves. Seasonal flowers are usually fresher and better value. To add meaning to your gift, see our guide to the language of flowers.
How to make the greeting special
- Add a short personal message — it matters more than the size of the bouquet.
- If there are several name-day girls in the family, give each a small bouquet in her own colour for a lovely "family" arrangement.
- For colleagues, one to three stems in kraft paper or a small potted plant for the desk work well.
- If you can't visit, order flower delivery — a pleasant surprise on a weekday.
FAQ
When is the day of Vira, Nadia, Liubov and Sofia in Ukraine?
Since 2023, under the Revised Julian calendar, on 17 September. Previously on 30 September, and many still celebrate then.
What do the names Vira, Nadia, Liubov and Sofia mean?
They translate the Greek words Pistis, Elpis, Agape and Sophia — faith, hope, love and wisdom.
What flowers should I give Liubov?
Roses: red for a partner, soft pink or cream for a mother, colleague or friend.
Is a gift required on a name day?
No, a greeting is enough. But a small bouquet or a card is a lovely gesture.
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Author: Maria Svitlovir
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
