Saint Tatiana’s Day: History, Date and Flowers for a Name Day

Saint Tatiana’s Day is a winter feast celebrated by everyone named Tatiana (Tetiana in Ukrainian) and, in some countries, by students too. Here is who the day honours, when it falls now and how to congratulate a Tatiana on her name day with a thoughtful gift.

A bouquet for her name day: peony-style roses and white roses.

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Who the feast honours

The day commemorates Saint Tatiana of Rome, a martyr of the 3rd century. According to tradition she came from a noble Roman family, was a Christian and died for her faith. She is venerated by both Orthodox and Greek Catholic Christians. The name itself is probably linked to the ancient Roman family name Tatius.

When it is celebrated

For a long time the feast fell on 25 January, which is 12 January in the Julian calendar. Since the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church moved to the Revised Julian calendar in 2023, Saint Tatiana’s Day in the Ukrainian church calendar is 12 January. So many people now congratulate Tatianas on 12 January, while others still do so on the 25th. In some countries 25 January is also celebrated as Students’ Day.

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Which flowers to give

• A soft bouquet: peony-style or spray roses, lisianthus and alstroemeria in pastel shades.
• A wintry bouquet: white roses with conifer, eucalyptus and cotton, lovely on a January table.
• A bright bouquet: tulips, which are in the shops from winter, carnations and chrysanthemums.
• A potted plant: a flowering orchid or kalanchoe for a gift that lasts.

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Choosing a bouquet

• Think about her taste: a favourite colour matters more than fashionable combinations.
• For a colleague or acquaintance, a compact bouquet or a flower box works well; for someone close, go bigger.
• In winter ask for good wrapping: many flowers suffer in frost, so do not leave them in a cold car for long.
• Add a card with warm words; it is often remembered as much as the flowers.

Flower meanings are explained in “The language of flowers”. If you would rather give a plant, see how to care for kalanchoe and orchids.

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How to congratulate

Name-day greetings traditionally start in the morning: a call, a message or flowers delivered early set a festive mood for the whole day. If she celebrates with family, a small table bouquet and a dessert make a lovely addition.

FAQ

What is the date of Saint Tatiana’s Day?

In the new church calendar of the OCU and UGCC it is 12 January; the traditional date is 25 January.

Which flowers are best in winter?

Those that cope with temperature changes: roses, chrysanthemums, carnations and alstroemeria. Good wrapping in frosty weather is key.

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.

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