It is not legally binding, but instead begins the journey to encompass past with future and build a community around your child. The old proverb  “It takes a village to raise a child” looks at incorporating a community of different people interacting with children for them to experience and grow in a safe environment. They can confirm their relationship with the child and declare and offer a way to guide and support the child through life.

 

It can also celebrate the uniting of adopted or step children within a family, or the official name change of an adult.

 

The ceremony can include anything that is relevant to you, your child and significant others. Some suggestions are listed below:

 

• How the name was chosen and whether it has any particular meaning or significance

• Hope, dreams and aspirations for the new life that has entered this world

• Family traditions, symbols and quirky traits

• Stories to share

• Advice through the generations

• Exchanging of gifts

• Promises or declarations

• Blessings

 

A naming ceremony is a wonderful occasion to bring together family and friends to acknowledge a rite of passage or a new beginning.

 

Naming ceremonies aren’t just for people. Inanimate objects can be named with a fitting ceremony to match or perhaps a new pet has become a family member. The choice is up to your imagination.