Bringing family and friends together is a wonderful way to introduce your new child to the wider community in which they will grow and thrive. The ideal way to do this, if you do not wish to have a religious ceremony, is to have a naming ceremony.

There are a number of reasons why you might choose a Celebrant led ceremony. The naming of a child establishes their individuality. Within a Naming ceremony parents dedicate themselves to the upbringing of their child and make promises regarding their future hopes. There is also an opportunity for other adults to make promises of special concern for the welfare of the child as they mature into adulthood. 

For family and friends who witness the ceremony it is a time to reflect on the part they may play in the child's life in the future.

In my next series of blogs I will be sharing extracts from ceremonies I have conducted - which I hope will inspire you to consider a naming ceremony in the future.  

Next time:  Roots and wings.
 

There are many ways including food and drink can be included in a ceremony. 
A couple might

• share a cup of wine
• Taste a range of foods
• Mix a cocktail

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Each of these actions can be used to express the ways in which a couple will share their futures together.  They can also be used to show an understanding that life can have bitter moments as well as sweet but that these are easier to overcome when working together.  

A rose is associated with love and romance.  Giving and receiving a rose as part of a ceremony is a wonderful way of expressing your feelings.

A rose is also a gift which can be given to a child on their naming day, for just as the a rose buds and opens so a child’s life will unfurl.

As a reminder of the day on each anniversary a rose can be given.

Some couples like to take a rose from a rose bush as part of the ceremony.  The rose bush can later be planted into a garden and be a permanent reminder of the day.
 
Next time: Including food and drink.

​It has become increasingly popular to attach locks to bridges, monuments, fences etc to show your lasting affection to someone.  Within a Celebrant led ceremony you can use this idea to make a lovely memento of your day.  It is possible to purchase padlocks which have been inscribed with your name and the date of your ceremony.  These can then be attached to a heart shaped stand or simply locked together.
 
Next time:  The gift of a rose