Child and Baby Namings

A baby naming ceremony is similar to that of a baptism or christening in some respects, although it does not take the place of one. You can have both ceremonies if you wish to. Although a baby naming is not a religious, you can still appoint godparents if you are comfortable with that term. For those who prefer another term, guardians, mentors or supporting adults are appointed for the baby or child. Another term you may consider if you have a connection with mother earth is "earth-mother parents".

Your naming ceremony can reflect the religious, spiritual or secular values you hold. Religious elements may include buddhist beliefs, christian or muslim beliefs, or those of other religions, where you do not attend a regular church but still are drawn to the spirituality of those religions. This may be reflected in the readings you choose for your ceremony.

A naming ceremony can be held for an older child. It can even be held where an adult changes their name.

Names are very significant. Like everything else, they have a certain vibration and energy that is imparted to the person being named. You may wish to choose an additional name besides your child's legal name, a spiritual name for your child that gives them extra support in life. This name may be kept private for the child or it may be one that is given at the ceremony

At the naming ceremony, I will speak about the hopes and wishes you have for your child, the significance of their name and also involve the guardians or mentors or godparents in the ceremony. They will be asked to make promises to provide love, support and guidance to your child. The promises that you and the guardians make will be those you choose.

A very special touch for your ceremony can be for all the guests to speak aloud a wish or quality for the child - "May you always feel love", "may you have good health", "may you smile often"... If you wish to include this in your ceremony, it is good to let your guests know in advance so that they can think about what they would like to say. It does not matter if two or more guests wish the same thing - this just adds more energy to that blessing.

Your ceremony will also include readings (poems or prose that you choose to suit the ceremony you want) and may include candle lighting and/or flower ceremonies. I provide you with a naming certificate and also certificates for each of the guardians/godparents, as well as any grandparents or siblings..