Name giving ceremonies are an opportunity to celebrate and formally introduce a child. They are most commonly held soon after the baby is born or around their first birthday, but may be done at any age. A name giving ceremony may also be held in conjunction with a wedding or commitment ceremony as a way to include and celebrate the child.
During the ceremony the role of godparent or guardian may be bestowed to recognise the significant role a person may play in the child's life. It may be a celebration that gets siblings or grandparents involved or may more broadly invite friends and families to offer their love and wishes for the child. This is not an official ceremony such as a christening or baptism but it may include religious passages if desired.
A name giving ceremony can be created around whatever you wish to include and the key messages you wish to impart on the day. Below are a few examples of rituals you may wish to include.
Lighting of candles
Candles are lit by parents, grandparents or godparents with each person making a wish for the child as the candle is lit.
Time capsule
Items are added to a container that may be opened on a significant birthday. The items often relate to the day or year the child is born and may include newspapers, photographs, toys or currency.
Balloon Release
A biodegradable balloon is released to represent everyone at the name giving or for those who cannot be there.
Tree planting
A tree is planted so that it may grow alongside the child, gaining strength and maturity as it ages. It may represent the importance of the environment around the child to nurture it as it grows. If there are constraints around being able to plant a tree it may be held in a pot and decorated at the name giving ceremony and planted at another time.
During the ceremony the role of godparent or guardian may be bestowed to recognise the significant role a person may play in the child's life. It may be a celebration that gets siblings or grandparents involved or may more broadly invite friends and families to offer their love and wishes for the child. This is not an official ceremony such as a christening or baptism but it may include religious passages if desired.
A name giving ceremony can be created around whatever you wish to include and the key messages you wish to impart on the day. Below are a few examples of rituals you may wish to include.
Lighting of candles
Candles are lit by parents, grandparents or godparents with each person making a wish for the child as the candle is lit.
Time capsule
Items are added to a container that may be opened on a significant birthday. The items often relate to the day or year the child is born and may include newspapers, photographs, toys or currency.
Balloon Release
A biodegradable balloon is released to represent everyone at the name giving or for those who cannot be there.
Tree planting
A tree is planted so that it may grow alongside the child, gaining strength and maturity as it ages. It may represent the importance of the environment around the child to nurture it as it grows. If there are constraints around being able to plant a tree it may be held in a pot and decorated at the name giving ceremony and planted at another time.
