Welcoming a baby into a family is a pretty profound and special moment. So is adopting a child. If you’re religious, then you can opt for a christening or other religious ritual. But what if you’re not religious? This is where a humanist naming ceremony comes in.
And what if you have made an important decision to change your name or gender? These are also significant life events that can be marked and celebrated with a naming ceremony.
As a humanist naming celebrant I welcome the opportunity to work with people from diverse cultural backgrounds and sexual orientation. All are welcome here! Love is love and should be celebrated.
Non-religious child naming ceremonies are ideal for families that want their children to be free to make their own choices about what they believe as they grow up. Instead of prayers or hymns humanist ceremonies are full of love, respect, empathy, and kindness – the values that we all share.
Humanist naming ceremonies are all about welcoming your new addition into a loving community of family and friends. And the same goes for marking a significant transition. At its core, a naming ceremony is a celebration – a celebration of love, of commitment, of family, and of friendship.
One of the great things about naming ceremonies is there are no legal restrictions on where you hold them. I’ve conducted naming ceremonies in community centres, private homes and gardens, restaurants, and even a pub!
And you can structure the ceremony anyway you want. My webpage provides some guidance. Sometimes things won't go precisely to plan as little children have their own agendas but somehow it doesn't seem to matter. After all – naming ceremonies aren’t solemn events: they're relaxed and joyful gatherings full of love and laughter.
You can include promises from parents and grandparents, appoint ‘guideparents’ and even make a fuss of older siblings. I love to get everyone to make a communal commitment or pledge to the star of the show too. After all – it takes a village to raise a child.
Symbolic rituals such as sand blending, tree planting and candle lighting can also be fun and touching ways to involve family and friends.
If this sounds like something you’d like to organise then give me a call.
