Naming Ceremonies
Naming Ceremonies Northern Ireland
“A name is very important, because it distinguishes us from others and gives us a sense of belonging in our family and community.”
A Special Day…
A Naming Ceremony day definitely is special…it’s a happy family occasion to celebrate the birth of a child, to welcome the child into the parents’ families and to acknowledge the names which the parents have chosen.
A Naming Ceremony is, of course, an alternative to the traditional Christening, which is usually a religious ceremony held in a church.
But having a Naming won’t stop a child attending church later in life…in fact, it means the child will be free to choose what religious belief – if any – he or she would like to follow at a later stage.
While some Ceremonies have no religious content, others take the form of a Blessing reflecting the personal beliefs of the parents.
Individual and Personal…
I will begin by meeting you to discuss what you would like to include in the Ceremony. It can be as formal or informal as you wish…held in a hotel or social club or, possibly, in the family home.
Most Ceremonies include a selection of poems, readings and music…and many also include symbolic elements. During the Ceremony, godparents – sometimes called Supporting Adults – are appointed for the child. Older children – and grandparents – can also join in the Ceremony.
Not just Babies…
If your child is older and hasn’t ever had a Naming Ceremony, that won’t be a problem – the child can still have a special day.
Or, if you have a new baby and an older child, a joint Ceremony can easily be organised.
Find out more by reading about Molly’s Christening Ceremony here.
