Naming ceremonies vs christenings: what’s the difference?
If you’re thinking about celebrating your little one’s arrival or maybe would like to have a ceremony for a child to celebrate their place in your hearts and lives, you’ve probably come across the choice between a naming ceremony and a christening.
While both serve to celebrate the same beautiful milestone ie welcoming your child into the family and community, there are some key differences between the two.
Let’s take a look at what sets them apart.
The religious and traditional side – christenings
A christening is a religious ceremony, usually held in a church, where your child is baptised into the Christian faith. This is a traditional practice that involves religious rituals such as the sprinkling of holy water and the child being given a Christian name. For many families, this is a deeply meaningful way to mark the beginning of their child’s faith journey.
Christenings are often considered essential in religious families and the ceremony typically includes godparents who promise to help guide the child spiritually. It’s a time for family and friends to gather, celebrate the new arrival and reaffirm their faith. If you’re part of a church community or want a ceremony that has religious significance, a christening may be the right choice for you.
A personal, fun alternative – naming ceremonies
On the other hand, a naming ceremony is a more personal, non-religious celebration that focuses on the joy of welcoming your child into the world. It’s a chance to formally name your child, share your hopes for their future and involve loved ones in the celebration. This type of ceremony is highly customisable and can include readings, music, symbolic actions such as planting a tree or releasing a ball and personal vows.
Naming ceremonies tend to be more relaxed and informal compared to christenings. They can be held anywhere - at home, in a park, a field, village hall or even a venue you love. The focus is on the family and community coming together to celebrate the child, rather than religious rituals. It’s a great option for families who may not follow a specific faith or prefer a more flexible, creative approach to marking this special occasion.
It’s about what feels right for you
The general consensus of opinion is that both christenings and naming ceremonies achieve the same goal - celebrating your child’s arrival, announcing their them a name that carries meaning and choosing god parents or supporting adults to be there in the background offering additional nurturing and guidance to the child on their journey through life. The key difference is in how it’s done. Christenings are rooted in religious tradition, while naming ceremonies offer a more personal and secular approach.
Neither option is better than the other. It’s all about what feels right for you and your family. If you want a ceremony with religious elements, that’s absolutely fine. A naming ceremony can still include some religious content if that’s what you need to keep all parties happy. The focus should always be on what makes you and your loved ones feel most comfortable.
The biggest takeaway
At the end of the day, both christenings and naming ceremonies are beautiful ways to celebrate your child and their place in the world.
The choice is entirely yours - neither is right nor wrong, just right or wrong for you. A naming ceremony can be as personal, fun or even as religious as you’d like it to be and a christening ceremony can also have other elements such as symbolic actions after the religious part has taken place.
Whatever you choose, it’s about creating a special moment for your family that reflects your values and beliefs. Enjoy the process and make it your own!