Naming Ceremonies are non-religious celebrations and they are perfect for anyone, at any age.
They are often used to welcome the arrival of a new baby or child (or more than one) whether by birth, adoption, or the blending of families and are a special way of uniting families and celebrating that unity.
Naming Ceremonies are also ideal for adults who choose to affirm a new name, for a variety of reasons.
Maybe it is a change of spelling or perhaps the name that you were given doesn’t properly represent who you are today.
Perhaps a naming ceremony can help you celebrate a new beginning after a divorce or it might be a special way for people with a trans experience to receive name affirmation.
The reasons to hold a Naming Ceremony are endless, varied, and unique to you.
They definitely aren’t just for babies!
Naming ceremonies will usually involve the important people in the person’s life: family and special friends.
If the naming is for a baby, or child, parents have the opportunity to ask other adults to play a supportive, or mentoring, role to their child through to adult life. This is similar to the Godparents responsibility, at a christening or baptism.
If the Naming Ceremony is for yourself, you may want to acknowledge, and include, people who are special to you.
Poems, readings, music, and quotes of personal significance can be used throughout the ceremony.
In addition, commemorative certificates can be presented to the special people involved, as a record of the occasion.
The ceremonies are usually conducted by a Celebrant. They can take place anywhere. Inside or outside.
Very often Naming Ceremonies are held at home, or in the garden. In the UK, a marquee, or gazebo, can be useful for an outdoors ceremony. Hopefully, just to provide shade from the sun, not shelter from the rain!
No one wants accidents to happen, but sometimes they do, so people holding home ceremonies may want to check that their domestic insurance policy covers third party liability for any visitors to the home.
If you are thinking of having your ceremony outdoors, in a public space, check that you don't require special permission from the local authority, or other body. This can sometimes be the the case with beaches and parks. Also consider the fact that uninvited passers by may try to join, or disrupt, your ceremony - although, in my experience, passers by tend to be delighted to have the opportunity to witness a ceremony (or totally ignore it - and neither have ever been a problem)
Each ceremony is unique and is tailored to suit your individual needs. There are many ways of personalising the ceremony. Your Celebrant will work with you, to ensure that you have the perfect ceremony, for you.
Here are a few ideas that you may wish to consider for your special day:
Time capsule or treasure box: containing small gifts, photos, letters or written notes. In the case of a child, the capsule, or box, is presented to them when they turn 18 or 21. In the case of an adult, a significant birthday could be chosen; maybe their 40th or 50th?
Planting of a tree: guests help plant the tree and as they place soil around the tree, they say some words expressing their wishes for the future. Of course, this works particularly well if the ceremony is at home, in the garden.
Sand Blending: ask everyone who is making promises to add a layer of coloured sand to a container. This can also be a way of including siblings, or other family members. It makes a lovely keepsake and is a great way of involving guests.
Finally, a lovely reading, written by Susan Polis Schultz, suitable for anyone, at any stage of their life...
ALWAYS BELIEVE IN YOURSELF Get to know yourself – What you can do and what you cannot do – For only you can make your life happy. Believe that by working, learning and achieving You can reach your goals And be successful. Believe in your own creativity As a means of expressing Your true feelings. Believe in appreciating life. Be sure to have fun everyday And to enjoy the beauty in the world. Believe in love. Love your friends, your family, Yourself and your life. Believe in your dreams And your dreams can become reality
Personalised Sand Ceremony Sets, and other made-to-order items,
are available in the Liverpool Celebrant Shop
Hi, I am Lorraine Hull, an award-winning Celebrant, based in Liverpool.
I am most usually asked to conduct ceremonies in North-West England and North Wales but I am happy to travel anywhere within the U.K. or abroad.
At the risk of shouting (and sounding extremely cheesy) "I LOVE MY JOB!".
I really love getting to know the couples and families that ask me to be part of their special celebration, whether that is for a Wedding/Civil Partnership, Renewal/Reaffirmation of Vows, Naming/Welcoming, or Celebration of Life/Funeral
I love hearing, writing and telling love and life stories (and also finding out about hopes and dreams - which are the stories of the future!)
I love to create and conduct unique, meaningful ceremonies that are perfect for each couple, individual, and/or family.
I love helping to create and celebrate happy and poignant moments, which form memories that will last a lifetime (that also includes the memories that I get to keep too - what's not to love?)
I believe that ALL people (and animals) should all be treated kindly, fairly and with respect.
I think for myself and act for others. I advocate anti-racism, the appreciation and celebration of diversity, dignity, justice, equity and equality for ALL through everything that I say and do: Love is Love, Family is Family, Life is Life.
You may like to know that I was trained to the highest level as a Celebrant and have continued my professional development. I hold Public Liability and Professional Indemnity insurance. I adhere to a strict code of conduct and I am committed to identifying, developing and sharing best practice with my Celebrant colleagues, so that we can all be the best Celebrants that we can possibly be.
To contact me please email: lorraine@liverpoolcelebrant.co.uk or call: 0744 932 3988