It’s Christmas and it’s raining babies! Four of my past couples have just had their own in the past two weeks and a few more are awaiting their own and I would so love to do their naming ceremonies as this is one ceremony that really does have us all crying with joy! Here’s a quick blog to explain exactly what a baby naming and blessing ceremony is!
In place of a formal, religious service, this type of ceremony is the perfect way to welcome baby into your community. It’s a wonderful opportunity to gather your extended family, friends, neighbours and perhaps your work colleagues and allow them to meet your new born baby and to help bless baby for a good and happy life! Such a ceremony can be with all those mentioned above or maybe just you, the proud and happy parents in a more intimate setting!
Such a ceremony can be done anywhere, anytime and anyhow! You could have it in your garden during the warm days of spring or a hot summer’s day. Or you can hold it in a quiet corner of your favourite park. If the weather isn’t on your side, then you could have your ceremony indoors at a community centre or village hall or you could ask your favourite tea room to rent you some of their space instead. Wherever you decide to hold your ceremony will depend on how many you wish to invite. The ceremony itself will last as long as you want it to, but the event you arrange around it could be for morning or afternoon tea or a buffet lunch.
The ceremony is the perfect moment to present your baby to those who are important to you. As parents, you will be able to explain why you have chosen your baby’s name and what it means. You will also reflect upon your roles as parents and perhaps make promises to your baby and to each other. If you decide to invite family members or friends to play a role in the upbringing of your baby, traditionally these were known as God parents, there is space within the ceremony to have their roles explained and ask for their promises and commitments to be acknowledged.
A baby blessing is especially significant when the grandparents are present and perhaps they can be called upon to share their own jewels of wisdom with the new parents as well as make their own promises to their grandchild. They say it takes a village to raise a child and the rest of the guests might also join in with their blessings and commitment to do their best for this new member of their community.
Along with readings and spoken words, there is also a space for music, be it performed by guests or played through a speaker. Guests can join in if you so desire, a good singalong is always lots of fun. Gifting baby with special wishes is also a fine way to welcome baby and this can be done creatively. Before the ceremony begins, why not ask guests to decorate stones and pebbles you’ve provided with coloured paints. Or invite guests to write down their special wishes for baby’s life ahead. Then at one point during the ceremony, these can be gifted to baby and everyone gets to share their blessings too.
Whatever you decide to incorporate into your baby blessing ceremony, your celebrant – hopefully me – will be there to guide you! Whilst I haven’t done as many baby naming ceremonies as I have done weddings, the ones I have done have been truly special. After all, every new born brings a message of hope, love, unity and joy! Why not contact me today to find out more!
(Photo: thank you to these parents for allowing me to be part of their special day, the baby naming and blessing ceremony of their new born son)
Ramblings of a Hippy High Priestess 