Glenda Prideaux
Civil Celebrant
Naming ceremonies
Naming ceremonies have long been the rite which society has used to welcome a baby or child into a loving circle of family and friends.
You have a wonderful opportunity to deepen relationships with a carefully worded ceremony, and the parents and godparents, or mentors, become more aware of their responsibilities.
Your naming ceremony includes:
- Consultation as needed regarding the ceremony.
- Access to information on the inclusion of rituals or symbols that are useful for a naming ceremony.
- A reliable and professional celebrant, well prepared to present your ceremony with sincerity and warmth, appropriately attired to suit the occasion.
- A commemorative copy of the ceremony.
- Presentation of a namegiving certificate.
- Optional appreciation certificates for ceremonial participants.
- Use of a PA system, including a CD player.
The ceremony is not a baptism or christening because such ceremonies are religious. The naming ceremony will in no way inhibit the child from making any future religious or non-religious commitments. During the ceremony it may be stated that, in fact, it is the duty of all of us in the coming years, to present the child with a broad view of life and encourage them in the virtues that we all agree as good — integrity, honesty, concern, fairness and love towards their fellow human beings.
Such a ceremony can be adapted to suit all situations that occur in families. Step children and adopted children can be welcomed into their new or extended family with a naming ceremony. Such a ceremony is a wonderful opportunity to culturally express joy, hope and acceptance, and a chance to express these feelings in poetry and words of commitment.
As a guideline, the ceremony usually includes the following:
- A welcome by the celebrant.
- Acknowledgement of special people in the child's life, such as grandparents and godparents.
- Pledges by parents.
- Appointment of godparents.
- Poems, readings or music.
- A positive message of unity at the conclusion of the ceremony.
- Presentation of certificates: naming certificate, certificates to godparents, grandparents or siblings and any other acknowledgement certificates.
Godparents
Godparents should be wise, honest and trustworthy role models who will have the best interests of your children and your family at heart. They can be chosen from within the family or circle of friends. Children must feel that they can trust them implicitly.
Grandparents
Special recognition can be given to the grandparents as well, acknowledging the important role they will play in the development of the child.