What is a Naming Ceremony?
Naming c
eremonies are an alterative to traditional religious ceremomies in the UK . They are becoming popular as an alternative to Christenings. For many parents having their baby Christened was how they traditionally acknowledged and welcomed the arrival of their new baby into the world. Many parents however might not feel comfortable with the religious aspects of such an occasion. Or you could have parents who come from two culturally diverse backgrounds. This is where a Naming Ceremony offers a very special alternative. A Naming Ceremony is designed specifically for you and your child and so is a very personalised occasion. You can create the ceremony however you would like to personalise it. If appropriate, you can include personal belief systems.
A Ceremony for all your children
A Naming ceremony does not have to be confined to just your babies. In ancient beliefs they recognise the important life transitions such as that from child to adolescence, and this is often a fruitful time to conduct a ceremony for an older child, encouraging their full participation in the proceedings.
With the greater occurrence of step-families nowadays it is also often appropriate to symbolically recognise the uniting of children from the two families of each partner into the new family unit.
Where can I hold a Naming Ceremony for my Child?
One of the main advantages of a Naming Ceremony is that you can hold it at pretty much any venue or location of your choice. You can hold your ceremony at the childs home, perhaps in the garden, with a buffet tea to follow. You an also hold thm at more formal venues such as a local hotel or community hall. Some of the nicest ceremonies take place in outside locations. These can have special meaning to the parents such as a local beauty spot.
Getting Permission to hold your ceremony elsewhere
If you are considering an outside location it is important to gain permission beforehand. You may need to contact the landowner for example the National Trust or the local council. Most landowners are very obliging. For outside locations it is also important to consider the time of year and the accessibility of the venue for your guests, for example elderly relatives may have difficulty in reaching the location. Location is an aspect of your child Naming Ceremony you might like to discuss with your Celebrant before making your decisions.
What will the ceremony consist of?
You can choose specific content for your child Naming Ceremony, it completely down to you. The ceremony can accommodate secular beliefs or take on a more spiritual or Pagan emphasis. You can choose your own poetry or readings, music and contributors to the ceremony. Your Celebrant will make an initial visit to discuss your wishes and structure the ceremony around these. Your Celebrant will work with you in creating a service especially to match your requirements.
Ceremonies can also include a traditional Baptism if parents wish
Does a Naming Ceremony have any legal status?
It is important to remember that, like Christenings, Naming Ceremonies have no legal status. You must register the birth of your baby at your local register office.
