As the saying goes, ‘it takes a village to raise a child,’ and a naming ceremony is a genuine family and community affair.
It is a celebration of the arrival of a new human being, and a welcome for the child into the family, community, and the world.
There are no legal or other regulations around this ceremony, and it is an ‘a la carte’ affair. It can take place in any venue, and a hotel, pub, park, beach, field, or garden is suitable depending on what the family wants.
The most usual format consists of music, some readings, candle lighting by grandparents, and meaningful words from the parent(s). There are some beautiful poems and songs that fit into this ceremony very well. Sometimes older children contribute to the ceremony and can be very creative.
A naming tree is sometimes used, where the guests put their fingerprints and signatures on a picture of a tree to make a lasting memorial of the day, which can be framed and hung in the child’s room. Another way to memorialise the day is to create a memory box where the guests deposit their wishes for the child into a fancy box, which is kept for the child to look at in the future.
Some parents plant a real tree in the garden during the ceremony and repeat the act for any additional children as a living memorial of the day. There is a lovely ritual too, where some of the guests scatter different colour rose petals to wish different attributes to the child. For example, red is for passion and strength, while white is for peace and tranquillity.
Naturally, all this is followed by a party. I can conduct the ceremony, or I can help the family put the ceremony together and carry it out themselves. I offer the choice.
A naming ceremony is most often held by families who hold humanist or secular values and want to welcome their child into the world in a way that reflects their ethos.
We provide compassionate support in arranging weddings, funerals, memorials, and naming ceremonies.