The Humanist Naming Ceremony

More About Humanist Naming and Welcoming Ceremonies

When a baby is born, we want to tell everybody and we want to celebrate. Often we throw a party! Sometimes though, we also wish to find a way of expressing our thoughts carefully about the difference our child is going to make.

Whether a babe in arms or older, a humanist naming or welcoming ceremony is both a joyous and serious occasion. It allows parents to express their love for their child and pledge their commitment to their future welfare and happiness.

Usually the ceremony takes place at home at the beginning of some kind of celebration. Sometimes a relative or grandparent hosts the occasion in their home and occasionally an outside venue is used, such as a hotel or public garden.

Humanist naming ceremonies are non-religious and very much focus on family values. It's no bad thing for all of us to be reminded from time to time, that it is our task as members of society to seek to achieve a safe and healthy environment for our children and a society in which high ideals and values are respected. A humanist naming or welcoming ceremony does this, but also allows the occasion to be a happy celebration of life!

Planning

Like all humanist ceremonies a child's naming or welcoming ceremony is especially composed and that is where I, as a Celebrant can help by advising the parents, writing the wording and by conducting the ceremony itself.

Friends and relatives will be invited to the gathering to greet the new member of the family with love and affection, but the occasion can also express the importance of such a life affirming event in a formal way.

The format the occasion takes will vary, following the wishes of the parents. Sometimes other children in the family will be included in the ceremony. Sometimes several babies from a group of friends can be welcomed together. When the child is adopted, or is a step-child, the wording will be a little different and the occasion may be even more special.

The parents may wish to choose relatives or friends to become 'Guiding Adults' or 'Mentors'. They pledge to take a special interest in the child's development and give support to the parents. They can also be there in the future, as a refuge for the child outside the immediate family circle.

Perhaps a tree or a rose might be planted if you have a garden; and often it is an opportunity to thank the grandparents and other family members for their positive input in your lives. Poems can be read and music played; other children in the family may sing or read an extract from a children’s book. There are many ideas to make the ceremony unique, more special and memorable.

If the child is already a few months old, everyone will be very used to their name and you may wish to make the ceremony more of a 'Special Welcome' - you may wish to include older children at the same time as a newer arrival.

On all occasions the children in question will be presented with a Naming/Welcoming Certificate and Guiding Adults or Mentors will receive a copy of the pledges and promises they make.

FAQ

Do we have to dress up really smartly?

Not if you don't want to! Baby naming ceremonies in particular can be very informal, especially if they take place in the garden in the summer months. Let me know though what you propose, as I wouldn't want to be dressed 'to the nines' if your occasion is a shorts and T-shirts affair! I would also advise that you let your guests know what your dress code is so that they don't feel out of place or uncomfortable. Similarly, if there is a colour theme, I try to accommodate if I can, otherwise, I just wear something neutral.

More FAQs »