A naming ceremony is the event at which an infant is given a name or names. They can occur anywhere from mere days after birth to several months afterwards. Some of these ceremonies have religious or cultural significance.

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Contents 1 Naming ceremonies in various religions 1.1 Hinduism 1.2 Judaism 1.3 Wicca 2 Naming ceremonies in various countries 2.1 United Kingdom 2.2 Australia 3 References

[edit] Naming ceremonies in various religions

[edit] Hinduism

The birth of a child in a family is an occasion that brings joy and happiness to everyone associated with the family. The first thing that comes to mind after the birth of a child is choosing an apt name for him/her. This name would give a unique identity to the baby and will stay forever. Naming a baby is considered to be sacred and therefore is an important Indian tradition. It involves the immediate families and also close relatives and friends. Traditionally known as Namkaran or Namakaran Sanskar, this ceremony is conducted in an elaborate form.

The Namakaran Sanskar is usually held after the first 10 days of a baby's delivery. These 10 post-natal days are considered to be inauspicious as the mother and child are considered to be impure. After those 10 days, the house is cleaned and sanctified for the ceremony. The mother and child are bathed traditionally and are prepared for the ceremony. Relatives and close friends are invited to be a part of this sacred occasion and bless the child. Priests are called and an elaborate ritual takes place.

The people involved in the baby naming ceremony are the parents of the new born, the paternal and maternal grandparents and few close relatives and friends. The child is dressed in new clothes and the mother wets the head of the baby with a bit of water as a symbol of purifying the child. The baby is then handed over to the paternal grandmother or the father who sits near the priest during the ritual. The sacred fire is lit and the priest chants sacred hymns to invoke the Gods in the heaven to bless the child.

According to the date and time of birth of the child, a particular letter of the Sanskrit alphabet is chosen which would prove lucky for the baby. The baby is then given a name starting with that letter. Usually the father whispers the name four times in the right ear of the baby. The baby receives blessings from all, including the priests. An elaborate feast is organized for the priests and the guests, as a closing event of the ceremony.

The Namakaran Samskar is also performed on adult converts to Hinduism to mark their formal entrance into Hinduism. The convert chooses a Hindu name to declare his allegiance to Hinduism and his severance from his formal religion. A Vedic fire sacrifice is then performed and the convert writes his new name in a tray of uncooked rice.

[edit] Judaism

In the Jewish tradition, baby girls go through a zeved habat, while baby boys undergo a brit milah. The girls undergo their ceremony at the first shabbat following their birth, while boys are circumcised and named on the eighth day after their birth as part of their circumcision ceremony.^[1]

[edit] Wicca

In Wiccan religion, at the initiation (or dedication) ritual, initiates take a Wiccan Name (Craft Name). This name is not used in public, but only among other Wiccans in religious gatherings. Some Wiccan authors use their Wiccan name on their books, such as Silver RavenWolf. For a Wiccan, taking a Wiccan name symbolizes a rebirth.^[2]

[edit] Naming ceremonies in various countries

[edit] United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, a naming ceremony is an alternative to infant baptism. They can be of a religious nature, such as a dedication, or non-religious, such as a humanist baby naming ceremony. Among the groups that support the latter are the British Humanist Association.^[3]

[edit] Australia

In Australia, a naming ceremony is also an alternative to a Church Christening. It is a welcoming ceremony to the child. You can still have godparents if you want, or call them mentors etc. Or if you would like just a little religion there are Celebrants, especially in Sydney, that specialise in Home Christenings.

[edit] References

1. ^ "Jewish Birth and Naming Rituals". ReligionFacts. http://www.religionfacts.com/judaism/cycle/naming.htm. Retrieved 2007-07-08. 
2. ^ Wicca - a guide for the solitary practitioner by Scott Cunningham
3. ^ "Organising a naming ceremony". BabyCentre. BabyCenter, L.L.C.. http://www.babycentre.co.uk/pregnancy/naming/namingceremony/. Retrieved 2007-07-08.