The Greek root of the word baptism means to identify with or to be made one with. Since human history has been recorded, variations of the ritual have existed for many different cultures in many different forms. The practice of baptism has traditionally held both secular and religious significance. The thread that runs throughout the various incarnations of the event is change. It is most often seen as a passage from one place to another, after which the baptized embraces a new or altered identity. In Christianity, christenings and baptisms have much in common, and are often seen as the same rite. In reality, while a baptism and a christening may happen at the same time in a baby's life, a christening is simply a naming. A parent or parents who are not religious or who choose not to affiliate with a particular religion may opt for a naming ceremony to welcome a child into a circle of friends and family.
A Promise to Love and Support
A naming ceremony may look very much like a more traditional Christian christening in many respects. It may be a gathering of close friends and family who come together to celebrate a child and welcome him or her into the community. As in other ceremonies, there may be sponsors or godparents. The sponsors may symbolize the support the child may expect from society beyond his or her parents. Of course, they may be a good deal more than symbolic, as well. Godparents and sponsors often play a large role in the child's life as a kind of extended family throughout childhood and beyond.
Putting Together an Event
In Catholicism, baptism is one of the holy sacraments, and is generally administered by a priest. A christening or naming ceremony that is not held in a specific church, however, is an occasion of the parents' choosing. It may take whatever form seems appropriate. Just because a ceremony takes place outside of an organized church setting does not mean it must exclude spiritual or even religious content. At its heart, it is a ritual to demonstrate the essential nature of community to the well-being of a new member of that community. People may express their support and love through scripture readings, poetry, a favorite essay or through something original and specific to the occasion. Music may also play a part in the ceremony. A hymn or a special song may contribute meaningfully to the spirit of the event.
An officiant may be very helpful to organizing a celebration. Parents and an officiant may work together to create a program that feels right. They can discuss details ahead of time such as who may be reading and what music may be played, as well as where the celebration may be held and how long it will last.
Making a Celebration Your Own
There are no restrictions on what form a naming ceremony may take. A family may start a whole new tradition that generations down the road may appreciate. One creative enterprise is to build a time capsule as part of the service. Friends and relatives may be encouraged to bring a personal memento, a handwritten note or some token of the time to be stowed away until the child's 18th birthday. In this way the naming ceremony welcomes the child into a circle, and then provides a way to reflect on his or her experience within that circle as she or he grew into adulthood. Plus, it is a great way to acknowledge for themselves all the people who came together to love and help guide them at the beginning of their lives. A naming ritual beautifully honors the ancient tradition of folding a new member into the community while acknowledging and supporting his or her own individual identity.
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