Naming Ceremonies

Baby naming ceremony

A naming ceremony is a non-religious celebration to mark the arrival of a new child.

It is a way of welcoming the child and officially introducing him/her to family and friends.
Naming ceremonies are appropriate for anyone, at any age, from the arrival of a new baby, to a celebration of a birthday, to an official uniting of adopted or step children.

Naming ceremonies can involve all the important people in the child’s life, so parents can have the opportunity to ask other adults to play a supportive role in their childs’ life, including grandparents, Godparents or mentors.

While the Naming Ceremony and accompanying certificates don’t have any legal status, they are a wonderful way to welcome your child and celebrate them as they begin their journey through life.

Each ceremony should be unique and tailored to suit your individual needs, but the following is a basic checklist of things you may wish to consider when planning your child’s special day.

Choose date and time

If you’re planning a ceremony for a baby or a young child, you may want to consider any sleeping/ eating schedules they may have, and arrange for the ceremony to take place at a time when they are at their most happiest and alert.

Decide on venue

Again, where young children are concerned, it may be best to hold the ceremony at your home, or at a location where your child feels secure and comfortable.

Choose ‘special people’ to participate in the ceremony

This can make the ceremony extra special as it becomes such a more personal event, and of course you can, if you wish, have the equivalent of Godparents or “Guide Parents” to represent the child and to offer some extra love and guidance over the years to come.

Select ceremony style and format

There is no set format for naming ceremonies, so it is completely up to you as to how you would like the event to be celebrated. I am more than happy to discuss all options with you to ensure you are happy with the final result.
A possible format could be as follows;

  • Welcome
  • Introduction of the child and the meaning behind his or her name
  • A Reading
  • A symbolic gesture
  • Commitments and Promises from the Supporters – Some celebratory music
  • Presentation of Certificate
  • A few words in thanks and conclusion
Choose poems, readings or quotes

Write a poem, or some special words about your child to read at the ceremony, or ask a special person to do a reading from one of your favourite childrens’ books or from a quotable source.

Choose symbolic gesture for ceremony

A symbolic gesture can  add extra special element to a naming ceremony and are also a great way to involve guests on the day. Here are a few suggestions to consider;

Time capsule/ treasure box

This can contain small gifts, photos, letters or written note cards. The capsule/box is presented to the child when they turn 18 or 21. Invite guests to bring an item to place inside, i.e. CDs, magazines, photos, newspaper clippings, coins, runes & crystals to symbolise different things like peace and hope; pebbles from someone’s favourite beach; a horseshoe for good luck; cuff links for a boy, a bracelet for a girl, a book,  or a pressed leaf/ flower.

Planting of a tree

You can invite guests to help plant a tree in the guest of honours’ name and as they place dirt into the ground around it, they say a few word/s expressing their wish for that person. You could also provide cards and pens for your guests to write a message to hang on the branches of the tree with mini pegs (they can later be removed and placed inside a small keepsake box). A potted tree could also be used, that can move with the child as they grow.

Lighting of a candle

Candles can be personalised and decorated with flowers, butterflies, sporting items, cars, child’s name, photo, date of birth, and a poem etc. The parents/guardians light the candles and make wishes for the child.

Sand Ceremony

Different coloured sands are layered into a glass vessel by selected friends and/or family members – each colour representing  quality or wish they have chosen to bestow upon the child.

Fairy Dust

Special people are invited say nice words/wishes as they sprinkle ‘fairy dust’ (fine glitter) over the guest of honour (make sure you use the non-toxic variety, and be warned,  it sticks to absolutely everything!).

The Conclusion of the Ceremony

As a final touch at the end of the ceremony, you may want to consider one of the following;

Music

You may like to play a recording of your child’s favourite song.

A video recording

get all your guests to say something about/to the child (wishes etc) to play back at their 18th/21st.

Releasing a dove

Doves are the worldwide symbol for peace and new beginnings.

Wishing well/cards

Guests write their wish for the child on a note and place it in a wishing well for the parents to read and keep for the child.

A soaring spirit celebration

Release balloons to encourage your child’s spirit to bloom and grow.

Signature bear

For guests to sign, creating a permanent memento of the day and to keep a record of the  guests who attended the celebration.

 

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