Baby Naming
Ceremonies
The Nurture Show
earlier this month was a new kind of event for me. I've been to
wedding fairs to talk about my couples ceremonies but this was a day
all about conceiving, giving birth to and nurturing babies and children, so I
was talking to the parents about naming ceremonies. The genuinely
caring nature of all the stand holders was obvious, most of the
parents were carrying their little ones in slings of some sort or
another, and everyone was relaxed and happy to be there. (Unlike
wedding fairs where many of the men are there under duress!).
I was fortunate when
I had my two in that I was very fit, understood my body and had
access to a good NCT group which helped me have “good” births for
them both (i.e. No drugs, no real trauma!). I'd have loved to have
had access to some of the groups I saw today, such as the “Mama
Tunes Singing”, Baby yoga and baby swimming sessions when my
children were small.
I can honestly say,
I also wish that I'd been able to have a naming ceremony for Alex and
Charlie rather than christenings. I will admit now that I did have
pangs of guilt having them christened in a church but I knew I wanted
to do something special to introduce them to my wider family and
friends, and I wanted them to have adults special to them
(“Godparents”). Now, I would have a naming ceremony, and leave it
to them to decide whether they wanted to join a church later in life.
And I'd have called their special adults.....Guideparents?
Significant adults? No, I favour “Odd parents”, definitely!
Baby naming
ceremonies are a wonderful opportunity to introduce your baby
“officially” to your wider family and friends. People often ask for sand pouring or candle lighting activities to enhance the significance of the day. On the day
pictured, the family did both, so little brother was involved and
baby Harriet had her own candle to remember her special day as well
as having the “sand sculpture” made in her name. The parents and
Guide parents all made their promises to Harriet, grandparents
were also involved showing their support. This ceremony was held in
the Emlyn Arms in Newcastle Emlyn, any venue is suitable, from a
grand hotel to your own home. What's important is having a day to remember.
