Baby Naming Ceremonies have no legal or religious requirements they mark a special day to celebrate the birth or naming of a child and may also appoint ‘Special People’ to the life of their child.
The day is commonly held in a place of special significance to the family which may be home, garden, beach, park, reception rooms or a restaurant. It will be as big as necessary to accommodate all the family and friends and somewhere other children and babies can enjoy themselves.
The formal part of the day is often conducted by a Celebrant who may have standard ceremonies for the parents to select from or be inspired by enabling them to create a ceremony thats meaningful and unique to the family and child.
One or more ‘Special persons’ may be appointed to take a special role in the life of the child being named. They may be male or female or both and usually they will be asked to say a few words to show their love and commitment to be part of the childs life.
Naming of the ‘Special person’ is of course a personal choice of the parents. Godparent is a term we all know and understand, so it is frequently used whilst acknowledging that the religious aspect of the role isn’t relevant in a naming ceremony. Others may choose a more meaningful name for the role – most popular are ‘special friend’, ‘guideparent’ or ‘supporting adult’, ‘mentor’, ‘sponsor’ or ‘guardian’. Others go for a more light-hearted term like ‘sparent’ or ‘odd parent’. I am a traditionalist and have stuck to godparent – with a small ‘g’!
Whatever the name – the role all has one thing in common – the willingness to be a part of the support and encouragement of a child, to take a lifelong interest in their moral and ethical development and someone the child can turn to for additional loving support and guidance in their life.