What’s In a Naming Ceremony?

I am a very big believer in acknowledging the important events in our lives, and I don’t think it gets much bigger or more important than bringing a little human being into the world. I want to mark the occasion of our child’s birth, but as someone with no particular religious commitment myself I wasn’t exactly sure what my options were. Enter Kate Gordon’s book, A Practical Guide to Alternative Baptism & Baby Naming. As described in the introduction of the book, “a naming ceremony, perhaps linked closely to the official registration of the birth, is a wonderful way to celebrate the gift of a new child and allows family and friends to participate.”

Ms Gordon then goes on to explain not only how to create your own ceremony, but also explains traditions and ceremonies for naming and baptism from various arenas including Anglican, Roman Catholic, Nonconformist, Quaker, Unitarian, Celtic, Humanist, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Pagan, and Druid. Included throughout this book are a collection of poems, readings, blessings, and prayers to welcome your child into the world (the book also has a very interesting collection of less common baby names which we found really helpful).

Naming Ceremonies are not as well known in North America as they are in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, but they are growing in popularity and can be performed pretty much anywhere. They are a wonderful way to not only welcome your child into the world, but also to acknowledge the role that family and friends play in raising our children. As Ms Gordon says, ” Parenting is probably the most important job we will ever be called on to do. It is also the one we are least prepared for. It is strange that in other partnerships and relationships we accept the need for some declaration of commitment or intent but we are not required to make any such promises to our children.” This book will help you plan a ceremony to do just that.

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