Naming Ceremonies are a very important part of family celebrations. They are the delightful occasion the parents or caregivers choose to introduce their child to their family and friends and at that time bestow a name upon the child.
Many parents, who hold no particular religious beliefs, choose to have a Name Giving Ceremony for their child believing that the child will be able to make choices for themselves when they are old enough to understand the commitment.
Some children are named shortly after birth, although the first birthday or bith anniversary are a popular time for a Name Giving Ceremony. Sometimes, other children in the family will be named at the same time, if they were not given such a ceremony when younger. The age of the child or person being named is not critical, and an adult can also be named.
A ceremony may also be chosen to signify a change of name for an adult.
Generally Name Giving Ceremonies start with an introduction, and a brief explanation on the reasons that a naming ceremony has been chosen.
Throughout the ceremony readings can be given and vows taken by parents and/or God Parents.
When the names are officially bestowed upon the child, there may be an explanation given on the reasons for selecting the chosen names, or a particular meaning attributed to the names.
During the ceremony you can acknowledge the role of other significant people such as grandparents or older children.
Even though a Name Giving Ceremony is non religious, the term Godparent is often used and the appointment of Godparents, Guardians, or Mentors is very much a matter of personal choice.
There are no fixed numbers but remember that these people should play a special role in the life of the child and you should consider the practicality of their future involvement in your child's life.
