The birth of a first baby is one of the most precious new beginnings imaginable; with all the hopes and dreams that are wrapped up with the much-anticipated arrival. As a Nanna for the first time, it is a special time indeed and I am excited to have joined the 'Nannas Club'. A chance to enjoy all those 'firsts' again, minus the exhaustion from sleepless nights! A chance to pass on a family heirloom.
In the photo shown, my first grandchild, Oscar is wrapped as a newborn in the beautiful, intricate shawl that my mother knitted for her first grandchild, my eldest daughter Georgia. Knowing what a spectacular knitter she was I chose the trickiest pattern I could find! Seeing it in use reminds me of my mother - though posting it to Australia did fill me trepidation at the time. I too took up the challenge to knit for a shawl and although there is a lot of love and hours in the making of it, it's not quite up to my Mums standards.
A babies birth reminds us that while some things are timeless, many things are not. We live in changing times and new knowledge means new ways of parenting babies and children. I give advice cautiously! So while we can honour some family traditions and cherish heirloom gifts there is also the opportunity for young families to create new family rituals and traditions.
Holding a baby-naming ceremony is a newer tradition that offers a non-religious alternative to a formal Christening. A way of celebrating in a meaningful way the arrival of a new baby or child into your family. A chance to formally introduce your baby, or new child in your family, to your wider circle of family and friends.
What might a naming ceremony include?
Your naming ceremony will usually gather those invited together with a welcome. You may then go on to tell a story about the baby or child - their arrival into the world or how they came to be with you, their personality, quirks or interests.
You can talk about the significance of the name you chose for them.
You can appoint guide parents or God-parents- people special to you who can commit to playing a significant role in your child's life.
You might include a symbolic act – like planting a tree, lighting a candle, or having a family member recite a poem or sing a song that has meaning for you.
Your ceremony can conclude with a blessing; followed of course by sharing a meal together with those gathered. Party time!
As your celebrant I will work with you to develop a personalised naming ceremony that suits you and your family.
A naming ceremony can be changed up to suit you, for example to acknowledge the coming together of two families as a blended family.