Glenda Prideaux
Civil Celebrant
Ideas for Naming Ceremonies
Naming Ceremonies have no legal or religious requirements and parents can create a ceremony as personalised and unique as they choose. Some ideas are listed below.
- Petal ceremony
- Hand/footprint
- Wishing box
- Tree planting
- Time capsule
- Sand ceremony
- Photograph/signature board
- Some additional ideas
Petal ceremony
Within the ceremony parents can make promises to care for their child as best they can for as long as the child may need it, to thank grandparents and to acknowledge siblings in their new role as older brothers or sisters. Petals are sprinkled over the baby’s head while the child’s chosen names are announced and any reasons behind the choice can be shared.
Each colour of the petals represents different qualities and aspirations: innocence, friendships to come, tender love, compassion, happiness and fulfillment in life.
TOPHand/footprint
Easily done with non-toxic, washable ink, this is a simple and effective way of preserving an image of your child's hand or foot print as a memento of this special occasion. Couple it with a photograph and little poem for precious memories.
TOPWishing box
Each person at the ceremony is invited to place a note with a special wish or hope for the child into a wishing box. The box can be decorated and personalised to be used as a keepsake of the ceremony.
Later, as the child grows and learns to read, or at a special birthday occasion, the wishing box can be opened and the messages read.
For more information on wishing box art and prices please contact Maxine Lynton: (08) 9342 3484.
TOPTree planting
Many young couples today are buying a home or still establishing gardens when their children are born. A lovely idea is to include a tree planting in the ceremony. A tree, shrub, rose bush or the like is planted and a plaque is placed in front of it commemorating the day.
Guests can help plant the tree and as they place the soil into the ground, they can say a few words expressing their wishes for the child, or a bell could be rung as the tree is planted.
TOPTime capsule
Similar to the wishing box, personal and significant items can be placed within a container by each of the guests and/or family members. It could contain small gifts, photos, letters or cards. The capsule is presented on the child's 18th or 21st birthday.
Invite guests to bring an item which commemorates the date instead of a present e.g. a magazine or newspaper, a CD, the Guinness Book of Records or a coin collection.
Other contributions to the capsule may include runes and crystals to symbolise different things like peace and hope, pebbles from the family's favourite beach, Celtic symbols such as a horseshoe for good luck, cuff links that he may be a gentleman, a joke book that she may have a good sense of humour, or a pressed leaf that the child may appreciate nature.
The container is then sealed and if appropriate, buried in a place in the family yard. It is not always practical to bury a time capsule, so the chosen container can be stored by the parents.
TOPSand ceremony
This ceremony can include children and other members of your family and creates a treasured unity vase filled with many colours. Family members can also recite special vows as part of the ceremony.
The sand ceremony is perfect for when you would like to involve other children in the day. Using sand is a fun way to symbolise the loving union of the family with a new born or a child's new mum and dad.
Colours of Sand
Brown: The colour of earth and wood, signifying a solid and reliable soul. Brown helps to create a comfortable and open relationship. It personifies credibility, solidity, strength and maturity.
Blue: The colour of the ocean, symbolising trust, loyalty and one's dedication and commitment. Blue generates calm, tranquility and a peaceful environment for an everlasting relationship.
Red: The colour of love. Red ignites a warm, loving and passionate relationship, which encourages excitement and intensity — emotions not to be forgotten!
Yellow: The colour of the sun (meaning light), signifying consistency and joy! Yellow builds an optimistic, playful, positive disposition toward life, love and an ultimately a joyful relationship.
Green: The colour of nature, renewal and vigour. Green balances the forces of compassion, energy and wealth, leaving a lasting impression and a sense of wonder for a realistic and natural relationship.
Pink: The colour of happiness and tenderness. Pink is for the romantic softhearted soul, that has a calm inner-self. Pink inspires a playful and happy relationship.
Orange: The colour of autumn and the sunset, orange represents contentment and wholesomeness. A relationship wrapped in orange will be safe, fulfilled and undeniably warm.
White: Represents a clean and sanctified soul. Uplifting and refreshing wisdom are emotions that are evoked in a white relationship. The colour of innocence and peace.
Purple: The colour of loyalty, dignity and sophistication. Purple has unbelievable drive and passion. A very inventive soul chooses purple, which leads to a successful and prosperous relationship.
TOPPhotograph/signature board
Place a big photo of the child on a large board with a wide border near the front entrance of the venue, have one or two pens available and as guests arrive or at any time during the event, they can write their good wishes for the child anywhere around the photo.
Towards the end of the ceremony I would ask the guests, if they haven't done so yet, to add a few kind words blessing the child.
Later, this board can be laminated.
It becomes a beautiful reminder of the day and can be displayed in their room or the house.
TOPSome additional ideas …
- Butterfly release to signify new life. Contact Butterfly Releases.
- Parents might want to present the child with a special gift. It doesn't have to be expensive, but rather something long lasting that they can keep and treasure in years to come. (Just let me know as we can include it in the ceremony.)
- A book which guests may sign with wishes for the future of the child. This is usually given to the child on a significant birthday when they are old enough to appreciate the sentiments involved.
- A balloon release with hopes and wishes for the child.
- Displaying photos of relatives who cannot attend.
- Lighting of candles by the parents, godparents or grandparents (or all) with spoken affirmations of their role in nurturing the child.
- Parents may speak about their hopes and promises for the child.
- A collection of pledges.
- Capture a fingerprint in polished silver jewellery as a keepsake, keyring or treasured work of art. Visit www.smallp.com.au or contact marnie@smallp.com.au.
- Video recording of the event or significant guests with a message for the child.