Civil Naming Ceremonies
When families are celebrating the birth of a new baby, they often feel the need for a special occasion to gather together their close family and friends.
One way this can be done is by holding a Naming Ceremony, designed to meet the individual needs of the family. A Naming Ceremony is a very special way of celebrating your child’s birth and welcoming the new arrival into the family. It is also an opportunity to declare, before family and friends, your promise to be as good a parent as you can. And for adult friends or relatives, chosen by you, to pledge their special relationship with your child. A Naming Ceremony is, in every sense, a unique occasion for everyone to feel involved and to offer their support in your child’s future development. This event provides a dignified and formal opportunity to:
- Welcome the child into the family and wider community.
- Announce the names that have been chosen, and maybe give the reasons behind the choice.
- Make promises of commitment to nurture and support the child into adult life.
- Choose other adults prepared to promise a special supportive relationship to the child.
- Reflect on the miracle of birth and recognise that children are society’s hope for the future.
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