As pure as the winter's first snow... you are
A vision of innocence blessed from afar.
Sent to this earth for us all to love,
A cherished adorable gift from above.
A child of the angels and Godchild to me,
The dearest of treasures there could ever be.

The Introduction

To create a ceremonial entry, parents may their carry child through gathering with accompanying applause, towards the ceremonial space where the Celebrant and the party wait near the table.  The area may be defined by strewn petals.  The setting may reflect a theme, a Teddy Bear's Picnic, a Disney Theme, or focus on a colour in the form of balloons, streamers etc..

The Welcome and Thank You

Thank the guests for being a part of the celebration and thank the family and friends for coming.  You may make references to any other past or significant ceremonies such as corresponding birthdays or anniversaries. You may also begin the ceremony with a short attention-getting reading.

Other ideas are to include the meaning of the chosen name, and some information about the star sign.

Why  Do We Have A Ceremony?

Rituals and ceremonies occur in all human cultures because they fill a definite human need.  Ceremony does a number of things for us.

• It brings us together and reinforces relationships between individuals, families and friends and the wider community.

• It provides a forum where vows are spoken before a gathering of those who matter in our lives.  Therefore, we make our commitment before witnesses.

• Ceremony lifts us beyond the everyday life and our feelings are heightened by words, actions and symbols.

• A ceremony is arranged to mark a special life-cycle event and a Namegiving is one of those events. 

A Brief History of Namegiving

In most cultures of the world a new child's entry into the community is marked by some special activity. Give brief examples.

Among the blood Indians of Northern America a new baby may be sprinkled with pollen from flowers as a symbol of fertility and new birth. It is the custom for an elder of the tribe to paint in red ochre, the sign of the tribe on the baby's face. Then the elder would hold the baby high towards the sun as the name was announced, with the symbolism that the sun's power would follow the child throughout life.  

In traditional Japanese customs, the child would be ceremonially carried to the temple, named and given gifts, and among the gifts could be a toy dog. The dog being a symbol of protection in Japanese culture.

In western countries we usually begin by placing the notice of the birth in the newspapers, stating the baby's name and date of birth, and the parentage. At a later date there is usually a Baptism or Namegiving arranged.

Different cultures, different ways of doing things, but the needs and purposes are the same. This ceremony is meant to be a welcome and a thanksgiving, for the coming of a new life is always moving and unique, and is always something lo be celebrated.

This ceremony is not a Baptism or Christening, for that ceremony does not come within the field of the Civil Celebrant. A Namegiving Ceremony does not inhibit the child from any spiritual commitment he may wish to make later in life. In fact, it is our responsibility to present to him a broad and balanced view of life, and encourage him in the things we believe in: such as honesty, integrity and fairness towards other people.

This is a worthwhile inclusion if you find there is any doubt in the minds of family members or friends due to their religious preferences.

This occasion reminds us, that being a parent carries a great responsibility. We know that the coming of a new child enhances the relationships between generations of a family.

This can then lead easily into acknowledging Grandparents, or other carers who the parents may wish to have mentioned.

Grandparents, Great Grandparents etc.

It is important to remember that Grandparents do not stop parenting, just because their own children have grown up. Indeed, it is a vital role that Grandparents play, over the years they will pass on to (Name) his history and heritage, as well as many life-long skills and values.

Grandparents are the equivalent to the tribal elders in other cultures such as mentioned earlier. They are seen to be the holders of wisdom and knowledge

We can acknowledge with appreciation that the new child has the Grandparents to love and encourage him/her. Present them with certificates and applaud them in their special role in his/her growth and development.

Certificates may be individually created by Celebrant or purchased prepared certificates may be used.

Godparents, Mentors, Guardians etc.

The Godparents need to be rehearsed before the ceremony so that they have an awareness of their role and confidently take part. Have printed prompt cards for them to read vows.

Welcome Godparents. It is their wish to have an input towards the influences which help shape and guide the new arrival's path in life. The Lighting of the Namegiving Candle is a ceremonial sign that they accept the responsibility of being Godparents, and the flame which is a symbol of love and hope, represents their guidance in the years ahead.

Each year on your child's birthday, the Godparents may be invited to re-light the Candle, as part of the celebrations and as a reminder of the Namegiving Day, and the vows and commitments made on that occasion.  

There is no set format for a naming ceremony, nor any set content. There are no official documents to be submitted to the registry of births, death and marriages. So it is a ceremony that is wide open for you to use your creative abilities and to fulfil, as far as possible, the wishes of the parents.
A basic structure could be:

1. Welcome and introduction - general remarks about naming ceremonies and why one is being held.

2. Lead in to the support the child will have - the role of godparents/guardians/mentors.

3. Lighting of the naming candle.

4. Acknowledgement of the extended family - grandparents, aunts, uncles.

5. A reading.

6. The parent's promise.

7. The naming.

8. Concluding remarks/blessing.

9. Signing and presentation of certificates of appreciation.