Naming Ceremonies

Our Naming Ceremonies are specifically not religious, but speak of Love, Family and the Child. They are perfect for Families who are not aligned with any particular religion or faith group.

A Naming Ceremony is not just for babies; children of any age can have a Naming Ceremony. One of our experienced Celebrants, (Lay Officiant, Minister or Chaplain), will be pleased to perform your Naming Ceremony for your son or daughter. All of our Celebrants are highly trained and qualified; they all share the goal of providing you with a memorable ceremony and special day.

Most Naming Ceremonies are held in homes or other suitable venue like a hotel, reception facility, etc. Some families even hold the ceremony in a park or other natural setting. The ceremony can be held at a location and time convenient to all concerned. We usually ask the Celebrant closest to you to conduct the ceremony.

You may wish to include your older children in the Naming Ceremony as well as your new baby. The Ceremony is the perfect opportunity to declare your promises to your child before family and friends. It's also the perfect opportunity to involve relatives, such as grandparents, and maybe other adult friends. It is nice to have supporting adults involved, allowing them to confirm their special relationship with your child and share their promises at the ceremony in front of you and the guests.

A family has several options:

1. They can choose a Naming ceremony from below and simply use the ceremony as is.
2. They can choose a ceremony and then personalize the ceremony to make it uniquely theirs. We have a number of Religious or Secular (Non-Religious) Readings that you may choose from, or provide one of your own.
3. Some families even write their own Baptism or Naming Ceremony; the choice is yours.

No matter which option you choose, we will help you find the right ceremony to create the perfect celebration your family and friends will cherish and remember always.

Sample Ceremonies

Our Traditional Ceremony

Introduction

Hello everyone, my name is [Officiant] and it's my pleasure to welcome you here today to share with this family a very special occasion.

[DAD] and [MOM] wish to express their joy in the birth of [CHILD], and they want to officially welcome [CHILD] into their family unit, and to the wider family of relatives and friends. [DAD] and [MOM] would like you all to share their joy on this happy occasion, and they also look forward to your continuing friendship, interest and involvement in the years ahead.

A child brings his/her own unique personality, and adds new dimension to the family unit. [DAD] and [MOM] will always find something new to laugh at or admire. [DAD] and [MOM] are also aware of the great responsibility that is now theirs. A great deal of their lives will be involved in caring for their child and guiding [CHILD] through the many trials of life.

Now a little poem called
THROUGH BABY'S EYES

As you all know, [CHILD] can't talk yet, so I'll say a few words on [CHILD]'s behalf.
I didn't expect a brass band, with welcome mat unfurled.
To be on hand when I arrived, in this confusing world.
Nor did I expect a Doctor, to hold me by the feet.
Then quickly turn me upside down, and spank me on the seat.

At first I wasn't quite prepared for this enormous place,
Nor for the funny characters, that I would have to face.
But I soon learned to get my way, by looking sweet and shy.
And when I wanted to be held, to make a fuss and cry.

I've found it really doesn't take, much difficulty or guile,
To wrap them round my finger, all I need to do - is smile.
(This may be substituted with another reading or poem if you wish)

Naming Intro

Names are an important part of everyone's life, and names are what give each and every one of us individuality.

(Parents please stand) [DAD] and [MOM] what name have you chosen for your child?
[Name]

(Speaking to child) [CHILD] your name was chosen with great care, and it was chosen just for you. We all hope that you will (inherit the best traits of [DAD] and [MOM] and) grow into a caring person who is healthy and happy, and with wisdom to help you all through life.

[DAD] and [MOM] will you as parents care for [CHILD] keep him/her, clothe, shelter and protect Child, for as long as he/she needs you, as best you can?
"I/we will."

Will you comfort [CHILD] when he/she is distressed, laugh with [CHILD] when he/she is happy?
"I/we will."

Will you try in every way possible to raise [CHILD] in such a way that he/she will feel loved and secure?
"I/we will."

[Optional]
(Sibling's name) here is your baby brother/sister. Will you try to be kind to [CHILD] and help look after him/her
"Yes."

[Optional] All Candle lighting
(Parents to light child's naming Candle together)

The official Naming

[CHILD] you are named with water as a symbol of the common life which is in you and in the world about you. We welcome you to the community of life on earth and dedicate you to everything which is beautiful and truthful and good.

Ladies and Gentlemen, (adapt to each situation) [CHILD], today we officially welcome you. We wish you long life and happiness in a loving and peaceful world may you bring joy to your parents, (your brothers/sisters) your supporting adults, your family and friends. May you contribute to making this world a better and happier place.

Blessing

May All Your Wishes Come True
May all your wishes come true
May you always do for others, and let others do for you
May you build a ladder to the stars and climb on every rung
And may you stay forever young
May you grow to be righteous
May you grow up to be true
May you always know the truth, and see the light that's surrounding you
May you always be courageous, stand upright and be strong
And may you stay forever young
May your hands always be busy, and may your feet always be swift
May you have a strong foundation when the winds of change shift
May your heart always be joyful, and may your song always be sung
And may you stay forever you

Optional Ceremony Elements

Appointment of Supporting Adults (God Parents)

The bond between parents and their children is very strong, but the support and encouragement of others is vital for the development of this child. An important tradition in our culture on this occasion is the responsibility accepted by the Supporting adults.

[DAD] and [MOM] have chosen Supporting Adults (god parents) for their child for whom they have the highest regard. Supporting adults should be willing to take a special and lifelong interest in the moral and ethical development of their Godchild.

As you accept the role of Godparent, you are agreeing to be an adult friend to [CHILD], to whom he/she can turn for loving support and guidance as he/she grows.

Will you accept this commitment and responsibility?
(Response - I/we will.)

Will you be kind to Child help look after he/she and surround he/she with love and affection?
(Response - I/we will.)

[Supporting adults please say these words to Child]
"We the supporting adults, agree to reserve a special place in our hearts for [CHILD] to offer our support whenever possible. (including the occasional babysitting)"

Supporting adults, [NAME] and [NAME] please light your candles from [CHILD]'s candle, and repeat after me; "As i light this candle, I confirm that I am part of [CHILD]'S personal family. [CHILD] may always turn to me for guidance, comfort and love."

[Optional]
It is not always possible for grandparents to involve themselves in the development of their grandchildren, but when they do, it is a great bonus and a blessing. The relationship of trust and mutual enjoyment is something very special. [DAD] and [MOM] wish to express their gratitude that their child's grandparents (and great grandparents) are here today.

[Optional]
I would also wish to take this opportunity to acknowledge those friends and family who could not be here in person, but who are here in spirit and in our hearts.

[Optional]
Most of you have received a card, and on that card is a wish. I would like you all to please come forward and present your wishes to Child If you don't have a card, please feel free to make up a wish of your own.

Conclusion

This ceremony today, will in no way prevent [CHILD] from seeking the truth during his/her life on any future religious commitments or beliefs. Dad an Mom have given [CHILD] the freedom to choose his/her own religion.

We all hope that [CHILD] will have a happy, exciting and fulfilling life.

I have pleasure in presenting to you: [CHILD]

Presentation of Naming Certificate

On behalf of [DAD] and [MOM] I would like to thank you all for taking part in this ceremony. Please enjoy the rest of the day.

(Please feel free to edit this ceremony to reflect your own needs)

You may choose from one of the ceremonies listed here, or you may craft your own ceremony. We offer the following completed ceremonies:

• Our Traditional Ceremony
• A Shorter Ceremony
• Naming and Baptism Ceremony

All of our ceremonies may be modified to your requirements. We also provide a collection of Religious Readings or Non-Religious Readings which may be incorporated into any of our ceremonies.

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More information about our Naming Ceremonies.

Can the ceremony be bilingual?

Yes in some communities. Ask the office for information.

Is a meeting or rehearsal necessary?

Not normally. However you may consult with your celebrant by phone and email if you have questions for clarification.

How long is the ceremony?

The length of ceremonies varies. Budget anywhere from 15 minutes to a half an hour depending on the number of options and changes you make to the ceremony.

What does the Celebrant need from you on the day of the celebration?

If you make changes to a ceremony they will need the final draft of the ceremony 14 days prior. Then just a few words with you before to the ceremony to go over last minute details and a small bowl of water for the ceremony.

Can I decorate my home?

Yes. Most people have candles, flowers, and a small container of water. Some place memorial pictures or special pictures of baby. Have a camera handy!

Is there a Souvenir Record of the event?

Yes, a beautiful souvenir Certificate is presented at the conclusion of the ceremony.

Do these Ceremonies have legal status?

Unlike birth registration, where you receive a copy of the birth certificate which is a compulsory legal requirement, these ceremonies are simply a celebration that you as parents choose to do as a public gesture of love and commitment to your child. The certificate you receive may in some cases help your child enroll in certain schools later in life.

I have two children, do I pay an additional fee?

There is an additional administration fee of $20.00 for each additional child. Each receives a ceremony certificate.

Can we organize a Ceremony on short notice?

Usually the answer to this is yes, but is dependent on the availability of the Celebrant and venue you have selected.

Can we hold a Ceremony at the same time as we get married?

Yes. A Naming Ceremony can be held at the same time.

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