Naming Ceremonies
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Our children are watching us live and what we are shouts louder than anything we can say. Wilferd A. Peterson |
When there's a new addition to the family, it's only natural that you want to have a celebration to welcome them.
If you have a religious belief you would probably choose to have a christening at your church and then a party afterwards.
But what if you don't have a religious faith or you want to give your child the opportunity to choose their own faith (or not) later in life.?
A Humanist naming ceremony is the perfect way to welcome your child into the family and to acknowledge their importance in family life without committing them to a particular church at an age when they cannot choose for themselves. It can happen at any age - in fact many naming ceremonies are held to coincide with the childs first birthday. This gives mum and dad time to get through the exhausting first year of baby's life and to really enjoy the day.
Naming ceremonies are often quite informal and can be held anywhere. A village hall is a great venue, as is a local hotel or indeed mum and dad's (or granny and grandad's) garden. We will talk about the joy that a new life brings and the important part that children play as the citizens of the future. Rather than have 'godparents', we will ask 'guideparents' to make pledges to the child that they will be there to support them as they make their way to adulthood. Family members or friends are very welcome to take part and read a poem or a piece from a favourite book. If it is appropriate we will 'name' the baby by talking about the reasons for choosing their particular name and wishing them well for their future.
Like all Humanist ceremonies, each naming ceremony is unique and is composed especially for the family. If a couple who are getting married already have children, it is often possible to incorporate a naming ceremony into the wedding ceremony and have a double celebration.
If you have a religious belief you would probably choose to have a christening at your church and then a party afterwards.
But what if you don't have a religious faith or you want to give your child the opportunity to choose their own faith (or not) later in life.?
A Humanist naming ceremony is the perfect way to welcome your child into the family and to acknowledge their importance in family life without committing them to a particular church at an age when they cannot choose for themselves. It can happen at any age - in fact many naming ceremonies are held to coincide with the childs first birthday. This gives mum and dad time to get through the exhausting first year of baby's life and to really enjoy the day.
Naming ceremonies are often quite informal and can be held anywhere. A village hall is a great venue, as is a local hotel or indeed mum and dad's (or granny and grandad's) garden. We will talk about the joy that a new life brings and the important part that children play as the citizens of the future. Rather than have 'godparents', we will ask 'guideparents' to make pledges to the child that they will be there to support them as they make their way to adulthood. Family members or friends are very welcome to take part and read a poem or a piece from a favourite book. If it is appropriate we will 'name' the baby by talking about the reasons for choosing their particular name and wishing them well for their future.
Like all Humanist ceremonies, each naming ceremony is unique and is composed especially for the family. If a couple who are getting married already have children, it is often possible to incorporate a naming ceremony into the wedding ceremony and have a double celebration.
Adoption
A naming ceremony can be a lovely way to welcome an adopted child of any age into the family and can be an important step in acknowledging the importance of their place within the family.
The coming together of two families
It is not unusual for couples to have children from previous relationships and having a naming ceremony is a chance to cement the new family bond and to give each of the children a sense of belonging within a new family unit.
Any naming ceremony can be tailored to the age and situation of the child or children involved and if it is appropriate the child or children can play a part in deciding what elements are included.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like any more details about a Humanist Naming ceremony.
Any naming ceremony can be tailored to the age and situation of the child or children involved and if it is appropriate the child or children can play a part in deciding what elements are included.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like any more details about a Humanist Naming ceremony.
