A naming ceremony is a non-religious celebration of 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. The arrival of a new baby, the uniting of step or adopted children within a family, or an adult name change are all reasons to hold a naming ceremony.
A naming ceremony can involve the important people in the child`s life – both family and special friends. Grandparents, godparents, mentors or anyone who is likely to play a supportive role throughout the child life should be considered as contributers in the ceremony.
Naming ceremonies are not a baptism or christening, and while the ceremonies may be non-religious, many parents with religious beliefs do hold naming ceremonies to welcome their child. Doing so does not prevent the child from holding or participating in a religious ceremony at any stage of their life.
I have included a suggested guide for the order of a Naming Ceremony. However you can choose to have some or all of the suggested items included. Through working with you, I will create a unique and personalised Naming Ceremony.
Naming Ceremony Order Suggestion:
- Celebrant welcomes everyone, introduction.
- Explain how the child’s name was chosen and if the name has any significant meanings.
- Reading(s) and/or poem(s).
- Acknowledge special ancestors (who are living or who have passed) i.e. Grandparents, then acknowledge the child’s siblings, if they have any.
- Parents make their promises to the child and share their hopes and dreams for their child’s future.
- Introduce the Godparents or Mentors and state the expectations of them.
- Presentation of the naming certificate.
- Final thoughts and conclusion by the Celebrant.
If you are thinking about planning a naming ceremony, I would love to discuss your requirements. Please contact me to discuss.
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