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FAQ NAMING OR WELCOMING CEREMONY

photo credit Vikram Nath Chouhan

What is the best age to hold a naming or welcoming ceremony?

As with all our celebrant-led ceremonies, there are no hard and fast rules for a naming ceremony. For the arrival of a newborn baby, it can take place in the first few weeks after the birth or at any point after that. Some choose to celebrate on the baby’s first birthday, for example.

Can a naming or welcoming ceremony be held for an adopted child?

We strongly recommend it: the new member of the family will have a meaningful moment dedicated to them, welcoming them into the community in the presence of significant others (grandparents, cousins etc).

Can we choose a “godmother” or “godfather” for the child?

Certainly, you can choose an important person to accompany the child on his or her journey of growth. To distinguish the role from the religious one in a christening or baptism, the term “mentor” is sometimes preferred.

What is the best time of day to hold a naming or welcoming ceremony?

It is important to choose the right time, especially if the baby is very young with a well-defined routine. When deciding what time to plan the ceremony for, think about the child’s needs rather than yours. They will need to be up for the ceremony, so don’t do it at their nap time!

How long should a naming or welcome ceremony last?

The recommended duration is about twenty minutes if the child is very young. Of course, it depends a lot on the context and the time. Never go over thirty minutes, especially if you have guests who are the same age as the child you are celebrating.

Can we involve older brothers and sisters?

Certainly. In fact, it is very important to include them and give them an active role. The arrival of a new member of the family — whether it be through natural birth or adoption — changes the dynamics in a family and this needs to be recognized. They can be included in many ways: they can be the ones to say or do something, or a part of the ceremony can be dedicated to them. A professional celebrant has the skills and experience to be able to suggest some light-hearted ways to give them a role.

Are there any symbolic rites we can include in the naming or welcoming ceremony?

During a welcoming or naming ceremony you can let your imagination run wild. The main thing is to understand the message you want to convey to the child and to your community of family and friends. You can choose to make a promise; give an important gift; read a poem; listen to a song; do something symbolic that includes other siblings such as painting stones, doing a puzzle together, hanging messages on trees, letting balloons fly (making sure they are biodegradable)… anything that takes your fancy and that you think the children will enjoy. Grandparents and god parents (mentors) should also have a moment to express their commitment.

If my child is baptized as a Catholic, can I still plan a naming or welcoming ceremony?

The two events are completely different. With a christening or baptism, the child becomes a member of the religious community. A secular naming or welcoming ceremony celebrates the child and the wider community. Nothing prevents you from planning both.

The godfather and godmother we would like for our child are separated/divorced. Is that a problem?

No. In a celebrant-led, secular ceremony, there are no limitations. You can choose people who are separated or divorced, non-Catholics, atheists, agnostics or anyone belonging to any other religion.

Who should we invite to a naming or welcoming ceremony?

Everyone who is important for the family and the child at the centre of the ceremony. There are no rules and no limits.

What music can I use in a naming or welcoming ceremony?

Music is a great way to break the ice and help people bond in any kind of event or celebration. You can play a child’s favourite song at the beginning or end of the ceremony: for example, The Circle of Life from the film The Lion King is often chosen for its significance.

What is the most important part of a naming or welcoming ceremony?

Probably the most important and impactful moment of the ceremony will be the “vows”: the promises significant people will make to the child.

Do you need permission to hold a naming or welcoming ceremony?

No. It is a private ceremony with no legal or religious significance, so you can hold it on the beach, in the woods, in a garden or park: anytime, anywhere!