How to give your child a truly unique welcome into your family. Create a very personalized naming ceremony that will do, just that!
From an historical point of view, a naming or name giving ceremony goes back in time to ancient Greek and Roman days. The child was not formally a part of the family until this naming ritual was observed.
What does the naming ceremony actually do?
This ceremony is sometimes referred to as a secular christening but it in no way takes the place of a religious christening or baptism. In fact participants in the ceremony are reminded that the ceremony leaves the way free for the child to choose for him or herself down the track whether or not they wish to undertake the religious ritual of christening or baptism. As well as actually naming the child this ceremony is a joyous occasion of thanks and welcome to the new child by family and their community of friends. It is also a time of acknowledgment and acceptance of the parental and supporting roles of all concerned.
A name giving ceremony is not a legally binding ceremony.
When having a civil ceremony, that is one conducted by an officiant or celebrant, you have the opportunity to totally personalize the ceremony. Grasp this opportunity with both hands. Have all words spoken, poetry or prose recited and music heard throughout the ceremony, authentically reflect the ideals, beliefs, true feelings, the hopes and desires that you hold for your child.
Are there different kinds of naming ceremonies?
A ceremony may be simple and very sincere in its aims; it may be more traditional to include poetry readings by the grandparents or godparents; it may be a ceremony with a splash of spirituality provided by candles and readings; it could also be culturally rich with ritual from the past maybe; or you may wish to a have a ceremony that includes your stepchildren.
Most name giving ceremonies include grandparents and godparents. These days, godparents may also be called mentors or guardians. It’s a personal choice really. The role of this specially chosen person or people is spelled out clearly and it is common for them to formally respond when asked, if they accept the role now bestowed on them.
Similarly, the grandparents and great grandparents are acknowledged and in addition to their important caring role, their cultural role is highlighted. In particular the passing on of family values, their own cultural history and traditions to the child.
Deceased relatives and close friends can also be acknowledged in the naming ceremony as having played an influencial part in the life of either or both of the parents.
Blessings are often imparted to the child by all present and this can be done individually by each guest or written and placed in a basket of blessings before the namegiving ceremony commences and read by the officiant or celebrant.
Where is the best place to hold a naming ceremony?
The most practical, often most convenient and certainly most popular venue for a name giving ceremony is at home. Its a child friendly place, you can be relaxed and after all, its the nurturing heart of the family.
Ceremonies are most often held at the weekend, late morning or early afternoon to fit in with a celebratory meal or refreshments.
Whenever, wherever and however you choose to celebrate your child’s arrival and naming, recognize that it is a cause for inspirational celebration and thanksgiving.
About this author: Elizabeth Gray is an Australian celebrant.
The ritual of welcoming and naming of a child is a cause for great celebration. To learn more about how you can personalize an inspirational naming ceremony for your child go to http://www.namegivingceremonies.com
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[...] celebrants re-established the performing of name giving ceremonies to fulfill the needs of many Christian people who do not or who no longer believe in infant [...]
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