Introducing the star of the show
What is a naming ceremony and who is it for?
A humanist naming ceremony is a contemporary way of satisfying the timeless need to bring significance to; celebrating and welcoming a new addition to your family. Showcasing the joy, wonder and responsibility of bringing a child into the world through reflections and acknowledgments we focus on the child – or children – being named and the friends and family that surround them.
People choose to have a humanist naming ceremony because they want to bring family and friends together to celebrate one of life’s key milestones. They are ideal for families who want to mark the occasion in a way that isn’t religious.
A naming ceremony also provides the opportunity for those gathered to reflect the roles that key people will play in the life of the child. These include the appointment of nominated "guide" or otherwise known "good" parents.
Naming ceremonies are perfect for newborns or toddlers and many are combined with a first birthday celebration. But they don’t have to be limited to young children. They can be held whenever you’re ready: there’s no rush!
For older children they can be seen or used as a rite of passage or a celebration of your child’s growing maturity. They can also be the perfect way to welcome adopted children or step-children of any age into a family.
We provide tailored ‘joint’ naming ceremonies for siblings. Sometimes families choose to combine wedding and naming ceremonies, which can be a wonderful option for couples who choose to marry after their children have been born, or where marriage represents the coming together of two families.
Where can you have a naming ceremony and what happens?
Naming ceremonies can be held wherever you want: at home, in the park, the garden, or your local village hall. They are becoming increasingly popular in a range of settings.
We create each naming ceremony with you, so they are truly personal and unique. They might include music, singing, poems, readings, parental promises to their child, the appointment of ‘guide parents’, and perhaps a symbolic action such as planting a tree, signing a certificate, or writing in a wish book.