Welcome to Our World

Welcome to our world….. that’s the essential message at the heart of a Naming Day ceremony.

It’s a time to celebrate the arrival of a new member of the family, to acknowledge the great responsibility involved in bringing up a child, and it’s an opportunity for the parents to appoint those who will take on a significant support role in raising their child and encouraging them to become the best self they can be.

Throughout history, name giving has played an important role in the process of acknowledging new members joining a family. Way back in Ancient Rome, a son was not considered to be a member of the family until his father named him in a name giving ceremony. This even impacted on the right to inherit (and of course back then daughters didn’t even rate a mention!)

These days, a naming ceremony is often held as part of the 1st Birthday celebrations, or at a time when the family can gather together to acknowledge the newest arrival. Godparents, who are often called mentors, guardians (or even fairy godmothers and fairy godfathers) are appointed and given the opportunity to accept their important role. The parents may share the significance of the names they have chosen, and grandparents can share their feelings about this special time. The name is formally given to the child and then everyone joins in the celebration of this special day. There may be rituals too: lighting candles, inviting guests to join in compiling a wish bowl or box, creating a thumb print tree, or blending coloured sands are just a few ideas.

It's important to note there is a difference between a Christening and a Naming Ceremony member into a Church and a Naming which welcomes a new member into a family. Usually, a Naming Day ceremony is quite short and relaxed, often held outdoors in a park or a garden, almost always followed by a party to celebrate and as with all important celebrations, it’s most likely there will be CAKE!

Whilst it is most common for a Naming ceremony to take place for a young child, there are also some situations where older children and adults will choose to change their name and will wish to have their new name recognised, accepted, and acknowledged by their family and friends- another lovely reason for a celebration.

If you would like any further information about planning a Naming ceremony, or if youhave any questions please ask anytime, I do love to chat about all types of ceremony.

Leanne

Picture supplied by Leanne Smith