Thursday, November 25, 2010

Happy Name Day, Kateřina! Všechno nejlepší k svátku!

Today we honor Kateřina.  Happy Name Day, Kateřina!
The name Kateřina is the Czech form of Katherine, which is of Greek origin and means "pure".  It's a name that has been used since at least the third century AD.  The early Latin forms Katerina and Caterina became Katherine and Catherine.  

It has been borne by illustrious women such as Saint Catherine of Alexandria, an early martyr; Empress Catherine the Great of Russia; and three of Henry VIII's wives.  

St. Catherine of Alexandria, Virgin and Martyr whose feast day is today, Nov. 25th.  She is the patroness of philosophers and preachers

Empress Catherine the Great of Russia

Catherine of Aragon (Dec. 16, 1485 - Jan. 7, 1536)
Also known as Katherine or Katharine, she was the Queen of England as the first wife of Henry VIII

Catherine Howard was Henry VIII's fifth wife (1540-1542).  She was sometimes known as "the rose without a thorn".  Henry was informed of her alleged adultery on Nov. 1, 1541, thus she was deprived the title of Queen and was beheaded at the Tower of London.

Catherine Parr (about 1512 - Sept. 7, 1548)
She was the 6th and last wife of Henry VIII (1543-1547).  Catherine also has a special place in history as she was the most married queen of England, having had four husbands in all...Henry was her third spouse.  She married again after his death.