A Christening is a sacred ceremony that begins the foundation of guiding your child through life's spiritual journey with the power of love, support, and faith.

At the core of your child's Christening ceremony lies the profound act of water baptism which is a powerful symbol of spiritual rebirth and cleansing.

At your child's Christening ceremony, your friends and family will pray for your child so you can all begin to instill a sense of love, hope, faith, comfort, and reassurance in their life.

What is a Christening?

A Christening is a meaningful ceremony that typically includes the following elements: 

Here is what typically happens at a Christening.

Gathering and Introduction: Family, friends, and members of the faith community come together at a church or designated location. The officiant begins by welcoming everyone and explaining the significance of the occasion.

Prayers and Readings: The ceremony commences with prayers, blessings, and scripture readings that focus on the child's spiritual journey and the importance of faith. 

Naming the Child: Baptism names are predominantly used by the Catholic faith. Parents and godparents will state the child's Christian name, symbolizing the child's distinctive identity and place within the community. The Baptism name is usually the same as the child's birth name but sometimes the name will be different and in most cases a name of a saint.

Water Baptism: Depending on the denomination, the child may be baptized with water, which signifies purification and new life in the faith. Sometimes the child is immersed in water which symbolizes the cleansing of their sins. In other cases, water will be gently poured or splashed on the child's head.

The Sacred Symbolism of Oil Anointing: Empowering Your Child's Spiritual Journey: The child may be anointed with oil, representing the presence of the Holy Spirit and strength for their spiritual journey. Oil anointing is an integral part of the Christening ceremony. The act of anointing your child with oil holds deep significance, representing the divine presence of the Holy Spirit in their life.

This sacred ritual bestows a spiritual shield of strength and protection upon your little one, fortifying them for their faith-filled journey ahead.

The oil used in this sacred anointing symbolizes God's love and guidance, emphasizing the eternal connection between the divine and your child.

What kind of oil is used for anointing a child at a baptism?

According to Baseformula.com, the anointing of oil goes back to biblical times where they used Myrrh Essential Oil, cinnamon oil, or olive oil.

The Symbolic Lighting of a Candle: At a Christening, one of the most symbolic rituals is the lighting of a candle. This tradition holds deep meaning and significance in many cultures and religions. 

What does the lighting of a candle symbolize?

When a candle is lit during a Christening ceremony, it symbolizes the light of Christ entering the child's life. It represents the presence of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit throughout the child's journey of faith.

How is the candle used during the ceremony?

Typically, the godparents or parents light the candle from the Paschal candle, which symbolizes the light of Christ. The lit candle is then handed over to the child, signifying the passing of faith and spiritual guidance from one generation to the next.

Why is the lighting of a candle important?

The act of lighting a candle at a Christening facilitates and serves as a visual reminder of the child's bond and strong relationship to God and the Christian community. It is a representation of hope, faith, and the eternal light of Christ shining in the child's life.

Here are some viable reasons to get baby Christened.

Pledges and Promises: Parents, godparents, and the faith community make promises to support the child's spiritual growth and provide guidance as they develop their faith. 

Closing Blessings: The officiant offers final blessings to the child, their family, and all those gathered, concluding the ceremony with a sense of unity and commitment.  Christenings are joyous occasions that celebrate the beginning of a child's spiritual journey and the love and faith of their family and community.

Thank you for reading! Please take a moment to view our Christening dresses and gowns.