The purpose of a naming ceremony is to recognise and celebrate the arrival of a child and welcome him or her into your family. It is also a way of officially introducing them to your circle of friends. They involve the important people you see remaining part of a child’s life.. Parents have the opportunity to ask other adults to play a supportive role as they see their child through to adult life (as godparents, mentors or supporters).

 

I say child, though this form of ceremony is appropriate for any age. People hold naming ceremony's for many reasons. The arrival of a new baby, uniting of step or adopted children within a family, or an adult name change are all great examples.

 

The format of this ceremony type is entirely flexible and can incorporate poems, readings, and quotes of personal significance. The inclusion of a symbolic gesture is often made,. This may be  the lighting of a candle, the mixing of sand or the planting of a tree.

 

In collaboration with you, the decision to have certificates presented to parents and other special people can be made as a record of the occasion.