National Peter Day, which occurs annually on March 21, honors one of the most popular names in the world and has a strong connection to the Holy Spirit and the stories of Jesus Himself. If your name is Peter, then you are among the most significant figures in the history of our planet. Peter is a name that conveys a tremendous amount of strength, and in its origin language of Greek, it means ‘rock’ or’stone.’ Its prominence in the western world is primarily attributable to its appearance in the Bible, where Jesus rechristened Simon Bar-Jona as Peter.
The background of National Peter Day
Peter is derived from the Greek word ‘Petros,’ which directly translates to the English words’stone’ or ‘rock.’ It was a prevalent name in antiquity and signified inner strength and unwavering resolve. Jesus named Simon, his most devoted apostle, Peter, also known in Aramaic as Cephas, who later became Saint Peter. The name change had a profound effect on the evolution and popularity of the name as it spread to every region of the globe in numerous variations.
Simon Peter is considered by many to be the first Pope of Jesus’ ministry, and his name has near-eternal significance due to his role in the life and resurrection of the Holy Savior. Due to the belief that Peter was Jesus’ right-hand man, the name Peter is synonymous with dependability. Peter’s genuine name took centuries to evolve. During their numerous invasions, the Normans introduced the name Piers to England. Not until the 15th century did the name eventually become Peter. By the 1400s, significant role-players across the globe began to adopt the name Peter rather than its earlier forms.
As the name is derived from the divine word, its prevalence among nobility and commoners throughout the Middle Ages and Renaissance period never waned, and it remains one of the most cherished and popular boys’ names to this day. It is considered the ideal name for parents who intend to raise their infant in the Christian faith.
NATIONAL PETER DAY ACTIVITIES
Read “Peter Rabbit’s Tail.”
If you haven’t already, you owe it to yourself to reacquaint yourself with one of the most popular and enduring children’s book series of all time. It gained popularity because it combines amusement and adventure with a moral message for children.
Find your own Peter.
Communicate with other Peters, but not only those who speak English. There are well over 100 distinct spellings of the name, depending on language and location; you should learn more about those who share your wonderful name.
Throw a P-party.
In your honor and in celebration of your great name, hold a party where all the guests are required to wear or come dressed as something beginning with the letter ‘P.’ It can be a costume affair with characters whose names begin with “P,” such as Peter Pan.
You should be aware of the following 5 facts about the name Peter.
Statistically, the name Peter is no longer used with the same frequency as it once was; people perceive the name to be quite formal and outmoded.
Globally, approximately 45 million copies of “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” have been distributed, and it has been translated into 45 languages; it is now a household name.
Before receiving the title, Peter the Great was known as Peter the first, as he was the first son in his royal family’s lineage to bear the name Peter. St. Petersburg, the former capital of Russia, was named in his honor.
Research indicates that you have a 0.095% probability of being named Peter in 2021.
It is considered one of the holiest sites on earth, if not the holiest, and is the final resting place of Saint Peter, the first Bishop of Antioch and Rome, as well as 130 Popes.
NATIONAL PETER DAY DATES
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2023 | March 21 | Tuesday |
2024 | March 21 | Thursday |
2025 | March 21 | Friday |
2026 | March 21 | Saturday |
2027 | March 21 | Sunday |