On Friday 28 February it is Maria's names day in Sweden, and naturally I want to celebrate us all (one day ahead since I will be occupied tomorrow). It is one of the most common names in Sweden and in the Christian world (so I am not alone), but curiously enough the date is not connected to any of the Marian feasts celebrated by the Church (2 February: the Purification, 25 March: the Annunciation, 2 July: the Visitation, 15 August: Virgin Mary's Ascension, 8 September: Virgin Mary's birth, and 8 December: Virgin Mary's conception). Before the Reformation babies was rarely given the name, even though the tradition of names days are connected to the Christian celebrations of martyrs and saints. The general idea was that the name would put the child under protection of the martyr or saint he/she was named after, and since the Virgin did protect all Christians on so many other levels this was already cared for. The name Maria (or Marie, Mary, Miriam, Maja etc.) has been given different meanings, but "loved " has an origin from ancient Egypt and was transformed to "loved by God" in a Christian context. More surprising is "rebellious" that originates from Moses sister, Miriam, who took brother Aron's side in a fight and therefor was punished with leprosy. I choose love this time with an fourteenth century image of Virgin Mary with Child from Skellefteå parish church. Congratulations from Berit Maria Ann-Catrine!