Naming Ceremonies

A naming ceremony is a non-religious celebration of the arrival of a new child, uniting of stepchildren or adopted child. It is a way of welcoming the child and officially introducing him/her to family and friends. Naming ceremonies are appropriate for anyone, at any age. It's entirely up to you as to how you would like the ceremony to be organised, but as a professional celebrant, I will help you to prepare the ceremony and lead it on the day. The naming part of the event is of course significant, but the most important aspect of a naming ceremony is that it offers you the chance to focus on your child’s future development, welfare and happiness and for you to affirm that you will try to be the best parent you can. You may want to choose special people to be part of the ceremony. Rather than godparents, whose traditional role is to help guide the child in a Christian life, "mentors" or “guardians” (who may be friends or family) just need to say that they will be there for your child as he or she grows up and throughout their life in whatever way is needed.
We can organise the ceremony in any way that you want. There are no set rules or formats, it’s entirely up to you what direction the ceremony will take.It can be fun and interactive for guests who could release balloons, sign a book with wishes for the child, help make an artwork for the child or light candles.
If you are considering "mentors" or “guardians” instead of godparents, it would be lovely to say a few words at the ceremony as to why you have chosen them and what role you hope they will play in your child's life. It's also nice to explain why you have chosen your child's name and what it means to you.
Naming ceremonies are not legally binding and do not have any legal status, although I do present certificates to all parties involved. IE; mentors, grandparents etc.
For adoptive children of any age, a naming ceremony is a great way of welcoming them into your life and binding the new family unit.
Naming ceremonies can also have particular importance if parents belong to different faiths, if they are unmarried or single parents, and if there are children from a previous marriage involved.

 

 

What’s the format for a Naming Ceremony?

Here’s is my suggested format:
Opening reading

Many parents decide to start their child’s naming ceremony with a reading by a family member or close friend. It might be a favourite poem or even something you’ve written yourself.

Formal naming & parents’ affirmation

The opening reading is often followed by the formal naming of your child and spoken declarations or promises by both parents.

You might also choose to address the gathering, saying a sentence or two about how having a child has influenced your life. This might be especially relevant if your child is adopted or was conceived in special circumstances e.g. with the help of IVF, or if your child has special needs or was born prematurely etc.

Mentors

The parental affirmation can be followed by the introduction of the mentors. These are special friends or family members who have agreed to act as the non-religious equivalent of godparents or guardians.

It’s an important part of the ceremony where you introduce and acknowledge the supporting adults, as they in turn give their commitment to be part of your child’s life.

Grandparents are also often recognised at this point in the naming ceremony.

Closing the ceremony

You may choose to end the ceremony with another reading, either by yourself or the celebrant, followed by a toast or a significant act such as planting a tree or burying a time-capsule.

Whatever form you choose for your little one's naming ceremony, what matters most is that you are happy and relaxed about the people you invite to attend, the words and tone of the event.

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Website: www.centralcoastcelebrants.com.au

 

 

Mobile: 0412818835

Phone : 02-43327321

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