What's in a name? Naming Ceremonies with a Celebrant

 

This is MY Name.

A naming ceremony tailored to fit all naming and renaming occasions and there are an infinite number of ways to celebrate. Having a ceremony gives the gathering a little more gravitas than simply throwing a party, and it gives family and friends an event to attend that is more meaningful and truly a day to remember. 

Why have a naming ceremony?  Usually when a naming ceremony is mentioned the first thing that comes to mind is a new baby, but families comes in all shapes and sizes. It could be an adoption name change or families connecting and adding names is a reason to celebrate. Transgender name recognition is a brilliant reason to have a ceremony, you can have it small and intimate or big and loud, it is your choice. 

Perhaps you have had a legal name change after a separation and would like to celebrate and have it recognised.

You will probably want to talk to a couple of celebrants before you choose the right one for you. I recommend looking at the Association of Independent Celebrants (AOIC), they have a directory of celebrants to contact. 

Here's what happens when you hire me to be the celebrant at your Naming Ceremony.

We'll have a chat to get to know each other,  then we will meet to talk about the day and what you want from it. We will really go into detail here so that I understand you and your needs, and the ceremony conveys the message to your guests. We will discuss readings, poems, song lyrics that you may want included and I will research up to four readings or poems  to fit your ceremony and the 'feel' of your day. It can be as solemn or as light hearted as fits with you and your needs. 

If appropriate, you can decide on adding rituals. Choose from the list below, or add your own.

Sand ceremony – coloured sand is poured by your guests into a larger receptacle as they express their wishes for your/the child/the family’s future

Candle lighting – candles are lit during the readings. These can be lit by different guests as they speak their wishes for the future of the celebrated.

Ribbon binding ceremony (family Handfasting) – family clasping hands while a special ribbon is wrapped around to bind the family together as each speaks a promise for the future.

Wish Tree ceremony – guests, friends and family write their wishes for the future of the person being celebrated on cards to be hung on a tree.

Tree/bulb planting – Either a tree in the garden or if space is limited, bulb into pots planted during readings. These can stay with the family/person or can be taken by the guests as a reminder for them of the special day.

Wish Jar – like Wish tree. Wishes and dreams for the celebrated are written on cards or small scrolls.  These are added to a large jar and the jar is sealed. These can be read on special occasions in the future, such as birthdays or anniversary of the ceremony as an ongoing reminder of the day with lovely surprises .

If you know of other rituals or like a to add something else not listed, that is up to you. The point of the naming ceremony is to celebrate the name with more formality than just a party. Adding a ritual that feels special to you will personalise the ceremony

Once we we know what is to be included, and how you want the day to 'feel', I will write a script of the day that incorporates all the elements chosen. I will welcome your guests and explain the reason behind the ceremony and the aim of the day. We'll add all the ritual elements, and the readings discussed, and at the end, the person being named will be formally recognised and welcomed. 

Where & When?

Almost an unlimited number of possibilities, depending on what you would like to incorporate. Each ceremony is created just for you, and it will be wonderfully unique. In your back garden with formal catering afterwards, your front room with tea and cake, your favourite pub in a private room with a pub lunch party, on the beach then a bbq, out in the woods with a picnic or country house grounds and an afternoon tea. Literally anywhere you like , any way you like.