Many families would love to welcome new arrivals but don’t feel that a Christening is right for them.  This is where humanist naming ceremonies come in; they are warm, personal celebrations of life and the content of your ceremony can be as formal or informal as you want.

My ceremonies are not anti-religious but rooted in the humanist ideal of living an ethical and empathic existence. Being non-religious, they can provide the perfect solution for multi-faith families and silent time for personal prayer and reflection can be built in.

“Let our children learn to love truth…If they do this, they will not be much hampered by prejudice, for wherever truth can enter, prejudice cannot long remain.

Let our children find courage and discover that they are stronger than the things of which they are afraid. Courage in their dealings with their own lives, courage in speaking out for right, in condemning injustice, in standing for the good, courage to remain loyal to a deep conviction at whatever cost.”

A. Powell Davies

One of the best aspects of humanism is its open-minded ethos; every family is unique and humanists appreciate that.  Whatever the shape of your family, we can craft a ceremony that’s perfect for you.

You don’t have to be a humanist; many parents simply want their children to have the freedom to make their own religious choices when they are older.

THE CEREMONY

Every ceremony is unique as it is specifically tailored to you and your family.  Parents and guide-parents, even grandparents, can write their own promises or I can provide examples and suggestions for you to choose from.  Other friends and family members can be involved by giving readings, playing music or anything else you’d like to include.  We can include elements of ritual such as Celtic or Navajo blessings and symbolic acts like tree plantings, memory boxes and wish trees, amongst others.  Sand-blending and hand-fasting are particularly appropriate for welcomings.

The ceremony can take place anywhere, in or out, and we can arrange the date and time to suit you [and your venue].  The style and feel of the ceremony is, also, totally up to you.

NAMINGS

Naming ceremonies are family centered occasions that provide parents and loved ones the opportunity to celebrate the birth of a child, welcome them to the world and formally confer their name upon them.

In a similar fashion to a Christening, parents can appoint friends and family members to take on the special role of ‘godparent’.  We have various titles for this role: ‘guide-parent’ and ‘guardian’ are the most popular but you could also choose from ‘sparent’ or even ‘odd-parent! If the term ‘godparent’ is especially meaningful to you, then we can go with that.  It is, entirely, your choice! I will guide you through the planning process from first contact right up to the special day.

WELCOMINGS

Welcoming ceremonies are very similar to Namings but, as the word suggests, the focus is on welcoming a child, or children, into a new family.  For example, welcomings are a wonderful way to show older adopted children or step children that they are treasured and cherished.  These ceremonies can be incredibly moving.

“Thank you so much again for hosting a fantastic naming ceremony.
Everyone enjoyed it and we will treasure the memories forever.”

Kate

“Thanks so much again Debbie, for our daughters’ wonderful naming ceremony, you made the process very easy and enjoyable and a few of our guests have since said what a lovely ceremony it was!”

Carla and Annie

If you wish to find out more about naming, and other, ceremonies, please visit the Humanists Ceremonies pages.