A Naming Ceremony usually happens in a space chosen by the parents rather than a church. Unlike a Christening, they also are not officiated by a priest or a member of the clergy. They are officiated by a celebrant though sometimes they are officiated by a member of the family.
A Christening tends to focus on welcoming the child into the church or faith. It will involve religious symbolic acts and specific prayers or bible readings. There is usually water poured over the child’s head. Godparents tend to have to be Christened also however I’ve never seen or heard of a member of the clergy checking this.
Naming Ceremonies, reflect the family and their wishes and are very personalised. They can also be held in any location you wish including outdoors. The focus of a Naming Ceremony is about the child and the hopes the parents have for their future. It is an opportunity to welcome them into the family and celebrate their arrival your nearest and dearest.
Naming Ceremonies can also include symbolic acts such as sand blending, promises from “god” parents, guide parents or mentors, planting of a tree, time capsule, balloon releasing, to name a few.
Having a Naming Ceremony is a fantastic and personable way to welcome your children into the family, whether they are newly born, step-children or an adopted child, in a setting of your choosing.
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