Baby naming and child welcoming ceremonies
Contact me to find out about arranging a personalised ceremony to welcome your baby or child into your family and into the human community.
A naming ceremony is the perfect way to celebrate the birth of your baby, or to welcome an older child.
Families come together at this special time, and celebrate the new status of the child's mother and father. For some it may be a celebration at a first birthday or a ceremony to express love and commitment for older children, adoptive or step-children.
Coming of age ceremonies can be specially designed.
'Thank you so much for all your input into making Sunday such a special and memorable day.'
A tailor-made ceremony
The ceremony is unique, created to meet the needs and wishes of your family. I always visit families to build up a picture of the
child being welcomed, and work with the
family to plan a personal and appropriate ceremony. I will offer suggestions, prepare a script with you usually by email, and conduct the ceremony for you on the day. You and your family and friends can take part and speak as much or as little as you wish.
- Select the words you want to say or the promises you want to make when you state your love and commitment to your child's future
- Choose poems and readings
- Play live music; sing songs together that the children enjoy
- Other adults such as the grandparents can take part by saying something, reading a poem.
- Supporting Adults make promises to the child, perhaps say some words or read a poem. You can call them Special Friends, Sponsors, Mentors, Guideparents, Oddparents, godparents (with a small g!), Supporting Adults or any other name that you like. Guardian is not recommended as it has legal connotations.
- Other children can join in and perhaps give a gift they have made, read a short poem, sing a song, or perform a dance
'...the ceremony was exactly how we wanted it and
everyone really enjoyed the afternoon.'
Mark the occasion
- You might mark the occasion with a Naming Day Book in which everyone present writes a message for your child, or pastes in messages and pictures you have asked them to bring
- You may choose to plant a tree, light candles or release balloons
- You may exchange gifts; propose a toast at the end
Flexible occasions
Naming and welcoming ceremonies are usually at the start of a celebratory party held at home or at a special venue. The ceremony can be as long or short as you like and typically lasts about 20-30 minutes.
The couple below combined their wedding with a naming for their little two year old. Or a naming ceremony can include a renewal of vows.
Script to keep
You will receive a presentation script of the whole ceremony, and a certificate for you and each of your special adults.
Family comments
'We wanted to let you know how much we valued what you did for us. It was a wonderful day, and we appreciated how well you balanced the ceremony between seriousness
and fun. We found it very moving and I know that others did too.'
‘The naming ceremony went off better than we hoped...it was truly a wonderful day for
us...very emotional!’
'A number of people mentioned to us
afterwards how much they had enjoyed it. My mum - a devout Christian -
was among these, going so far as to say it was way better than a Christening,
as it was much more personal. I agree with her!'
Contact & fees
Please
contact me if you wish to enquire about my availability.
Typically, about 12 hours of work are involved in preparing and conducting a naming ceremony.
In line with the British Humanist Association agreed fee structure, my usual fee is £160 with expenses for travel over £10.
I contribute a percentage of each ceremony fee received
to the BHA as a levy towards celebrants’ training and quality standards and to the
promotion and development of the BHA’s Humanist Ceremonies network.
A few poems
Before I was a Mum…
I made and ate hot meals.
I had unstained clothing.
I had quiet conversations on the phone.
Before I was a Mum…
I slept as late as I wanted.
And never worried about how late I got into bed.
I brushed my hair and my teeth every day.
Before I was a Mum…
I never held a sleeping baby just because.
I didn’t want to put her down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces.
When I couldn’t stop the hurt.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mum.
~
For grandparents to read.....
If xxx was Mine
Author unknown
If I had a child to raise all over again,
I'd finger paint more, and point my finger less.
I would do less correcting, and more connecting.
I'd take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my
eyes.
I would care to know less, and know to care more.
I'd take more hikes, and fly more kites.
I'd stop playing serious, and seriously play.
I would run through more fields, and gaze at more
stars.
I'd do more hugging, and less tugging,
I'd build self-esteem first, and the house later.
I would be firm less often, and affirm much more.
I'd teach less about the love of power,
And more about the power of love.
~
From the writings of the Zuni Indians
Now this is the day.
Our child,
Into the daylight
You will go out standing.
Preparing for your day.
Our child, it is your day,
This day.
May your road be fulfilled.
In your thoughts may we
live,
May we be the ones whom your
thoughts will embrace,
May you help us all to
finish our roads.
~
A Blessing, Anon
May the strength of the wind and the
light of the sun,
The softness of the rain and the mystery of the moon
Reach you and fill you,
May beauty delight you and happiness uplift you,
May wonder fulfil you and love surround you.
May your step be steady and your arm be strong,
May your heart be peaceful and your word be true.
May you seek to learn, may you learn to live,
May you live to love, and may you love - always.
~
Follow Your Dreams, by Jim
Boswell
When people you admire
But who wouldn’t understand
Tell you “Other roads are safer.
Your dreams are much too grand.”
Or the doubters and the tempters
Try to take you by the hand.
Follow your dreams girl, follow your dreams!
You should listen to the counsel
Of the people that you trust
But don’t be turned aside just
Because they might get fussed
Live the life that in your heart
You know you really must.
Follow your dreams girl. Follow your dreams!
~
