A Naming Ceremony is a way to celebrate and recognise the arrival of a new family member.
It’s a chance for family to welcome a child to their lives and to bring together people who will love and support the child in life. It’s also a way of showing a growing family how supported they are by their community.
In many cultures throughout our diverse world, a name is a special part of a person. A name is more than a simple identifier – it is part of the person’s essence and being. Naming a child confers individuality upon the person.
Even more than a wedding, the arrival of a new child signifies the coming together of two families. In each child lives all of their parents’ ancestry and history.
A naming ceremony gives the opportunity to celebrate a child’s lineage on both sides of their family. If you are part of a cross-cultural family, it can be a way to welcome your extended family to participate in traditions that will be a part of your child’s life.
In our modern world, there’s no fixed time to have a naming ceremony. This gives a growing family the freedom to choose the moment that is right for them. Some families make this an opportunity to introduce the child to your wider community early on in life. Others prefer to wait until their household has adjusted to the rhythm of life with an additional family member.
Whatever your backgrounds, I can help you create a celebration that captures who you are as a family and what is important to you. Here are some things we could include:
- The meaning and origins of your child’s name
- Why you chose the name
- Family history about your child’s ancestors
- Naming rituals from a particular tradition
- Affirming family’s love for the child
- What you as parents want to offer/provide for your child
- Hopes and wishes for your child’s future
- Opportunities for siblings to participate
- Celebrating the role of grandparents and/or godparents
While parents may like to arrange this celebration, a naming ceremony can also be a gift from family and friends. If you are interested in a naming ceremony, you are welcome to contact me.
