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The Blessing and Naming
of a Child

F
rom time immemorial the conceiving of a child and the bringing of that child into the world have been seen as sacred acts. All cultures have traditional rituals and ceremonies that prepare the way for and welcome a child’s entry into the world. Holding a ceremony to name and bless a child, is a unique way to acknowledge, honour, celebrate, dedicate and give thanks for the gift of a the child in the life of both its family and the larger community into which it is born.


C
eremonies can be created to incorporate, honour and uphold the commitment and responsibilities of the parent/s to care for the new child. Intentions, expectations and goals for the child can be expressed to extended family and friends, and support for the parent/s can in turn be expressed.

O
ne of the purposes of such ceremonies is to give the child a name. To name a child, is to call, give title to, choose, appoint, and single out. A child’s name is often chosen for its symbolic characteristic meaning, as the parent/s might wish to bestow this attribute on the child. Or they might wish to honour a beloved person of the same name by giving his or her name to the child.

A
     second purpose is the spiritual intention of opening the child’s awareness to, and promoting connection with, its sense of self as a sacred being. Family and friends dedicate themselves to supporting the new child’s growth as a spiritual being. The ceremony creates the context through which this recognition and designation can take place.

S
tepchildren or adopted children can be welcomed, blessed and celebrated by their new family through these same ceremonies, for without doubt the birth of a child, or the entry of any child into a family is a wondrous event!

If you would like further details on the naming and blessing of a child, then please do not hesitate to email me.