Baby Namings or Baby
Blessings are exciting Rites of Passage ceremonies held by nearly all cultures
to observe and celebrate a childs entry into the world.
Baby Namings or similar
ceremonies, are practiced by people all over the world, regardless of their
faith and background. In times past, name giving ceremonies were the rite
which accepted the child into the family. Without it, the child was not
officially considered to be part of the family, and therefore not entitled to inheritance
or title.
Today, naming ceremonies
basically state the babies chosen name, its meaning and significance to the
parents, declare publicly the godparents/guardians and spiritually bless
(through symbolic ritual) the baby in front of family and friends.
Although modern day Baby
Namings are not religious specific, there is still a deeper spiritual aspect to
them. This is done by symbolic rituals such as candle lighting, positive
affirmations, gifts, declarations, blessings or poetry.
What is a Rite of
Passage?
Rites of Passage help
people, through ceremony and ritual, to understand and accept transitions and
change in their lives. It gives them direction and helps them to move forward
in life.
What age should the child
be?
A Baby Naming can be held
for a child of any age. It is also possible to adapt the ceremony to welcome
children from different marriages for example or adopted children.
What is involved in a
Baby Naming?
In most cases, a Baby Naming
has similar elements to those of a traditional christening; the declaration of
the name of the child, the introduction of adults who will play a special role
in the child’s life, promises of commitment to the child from parents or
grandparents, presenting of gifts to the child, remembering and acknowledging
relatives or friends who have passed on, as well as readings and music. The
ceremony is usually tailored to be relevant to the child and family.
What is the role of
Godparent or Guardian?
Traditionally, Godparents,
Guardians or Mentors are special supporting adults chosen by the parents of the
child, to help guild them throughout life, emotionally, mentally, morally or
perhaps more importantly, spiritually.
Choosing Godparents is not
always an easy job. They should be the type of people you would entrust to care
for your child , if you were unable to do so. However, they are not legal
guardians.
Ideally, a Godparent or
supporting adult will develop a close relationship with your child so that as
they grow, they would have a trusted adult who they can turn to when they
don’t want to approach mum or dad, or perhaps just want another point of view.
In a Baby Blessing, the
chosen godparent/s make promises of commitment and support to the child and
sometimes to the parents, in the form of vows and declarations. Parents may also
like to recognise the special bond between grandparents and grandchild by
including them also in the ceremony.
For more information
regarding Baby Blessings please email me.
