You can hold a Naming ceremony anywhere, your home, a local hall, outside or anywhere that can accommodate the number of your friends and family you wish to invite.

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The difference between a Naming ceremony and a Christening is how the child is welcomed.

In a Naming ceremony a child is welcomed into their circle of family and friends and their wider community.

In a Baptism the child is welcomed into a faith.

These two things are not mutually exclusive and you may wish to hold both for your child.
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​I am often asked what is the purpose of a Naming ceremony - especially since everyone already knows the name that has been given to a child.

To answer this question we need to look at the purpose of a Naming ceremony. 

The purpose of a Naming ceremony is for friends and family to witness the promises which are being made to the child for their future health and well being.

These promises are made by the parent or parents and other people may also make promises to the child to be there to support them in the future.

A Celebrant led ceremony can open up a world of possibilities

You may want to include a custom from another country or culture in your ceremony.  Here are just a couple of ideas you might like.

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Tasting the four elements

Tasting the four elements is a tradition taken from the Yoruba culture. The four tastes are sour, bitter, hot and sweet. Traditionally they are vinegar, lemon, cayenne pepper and honey, however different foodstuffs can be used.

Each element represents a different aspect of a couple’s life together.

sour - acknowledges that there will be disappointments as well as successes, but the couple will offer each other love and support.

bitter - every life experiences denial and rejection but each can offer guidance and wisdom.

hot - for the spice and passion in an enduring relationship

sweet - the abundance of life in all its stages.
 

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Facing the four directions

This ritual has its roots in Native American culture. During the ceremony the couple turn to face each point of the compass.

East - communication of the heart, mind and body, fresh beginnings with each sun rise. The light created as the sun rises lightens the darkness.

South - the warmth of home, the spirit of growth and warm, gentle and refreshing breezes.

West- the elements of water, the deep commitment of lakes, the swift excitement of rivers, the cleansing of rain, the passion of the sea.

North - firm foundations to build on to build a happy and successful union.

A Celebrant led ceremony can open up a world of possibilities

You may want to include a custom from another country or culture in your ceremony.  Here are just a couple of ideas you might like.


Add a procession

If you are planning to hold your ceremony outdoors why not think about adding a procession.  In Viking times both families processed to the site the ceremony was to be held and as they did they played music.


A butterfly release

According to an American Indian Legend if anyone desires a wish to come true they must first capture a butterfly and whisper that wish to it.                                                                                                                                                
Since a butterfly can make no sound, the butterfly can not reveal the wish to anyone but the Great Spirit who hears and sees all. In gratitude for giving the beautiful butterfly its freedom, the Great Spirit always grants the wish.
So, according to legend, by making a wish and giving the butterfly its freedom, the wish will be taken to the heavens and be granted.

(Always ensure that the butterflies you release are a native species and upon release they will find a suitable food source and habitat.)