A naming ceremony is an opportunity to welcome and celebrate your child’s arrival; it can be for a new baby or an older child, following an adoption or as part of a wedding ceremony.

It is a joyous and inclusive non-religious ceremony for all the family and friends who will play an important part in your child’s life.  It can take place in many settings: your home or garden, a park or a beach, or any other venue of your choice.

“We all very much enjoyed the naming ceremony for our son. Lucia was confident, friendly and warm; while creating a joyous atmosphere to welcome our baby, she sensitively acknowledged some of the losses we had been through”.

 

As a humanist celebrant I can help you to create a meaningful ceremony for your child, reflecting your story, values and hopes.  Everybody can be actively involved and you can include significant readings/poems and music; symbolic acts and games.

You will be declaring your commitment to your child happiness and fulfilment, and will express your promises to them, in the presence of your family, friends and community.

In humanist naming ceremonies parents often choose special adults, called ‘guide-parents’, who will make their own promises to support the new arrival; sometimes grandparents make their own commitments too.

There are many symbolic acts you can incorporate into a naming ceremony and I can guide you through them, so you can choose the one which is most meaningful for your child and family, for example:

• lighting a candle from two candles signifying the coming together of the two families of origin and the creation of a new family;
• signing a certificate where the parents and supporting adults declare their commitments to the child;
• your guests could write promises or good wishes on tags which can then hang on a tree, or simply remain in a guestbook or drawing;
• you could hold a sand-blending ceremony which involves filling a large empty glass jar with layers of differently coloured sands (parents, family, and friends each take a vial of coloured sand and slowly pour it into a larger central vase, one colour at a time), creating a wonderful visual representation of the family and community supporting the child.

Naming ceremonies are very joyous events, helped by the addition of music, food and everyone’s good wishes!  They are the opportunity to create memories to treasure for your family and your child.

 

The standard fee for a naming ceremony is £220.

I live near Matlock, Derbyshire, and I am generally happy to travel up to fifty miles.

You can contact me by email: lucia.whitney@humanistceremonies.org.uk

or by phone: 07926372508.