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What happens during a Naming Ceremony?

What happens during a Naming Ceremony?

How does a Naming Ceremony differ to a Christening?

How does a Naming Ceremony differ to a Christening?

Can I include Godparents in the Naming Ceremony?

Can I include Godparents in the Naming Ceremony?

What is the celebrant role in a Naming Ceremony?

What is the celebrant role in a Naming Ceremony?

How do you choose your Naming Ceremony congregation?

How do you choose your Naming Ceremony congregation?

Can we involve our other children in the Naming Ceremony?

Can we involve our other children in the Naming Ceremony?

Ideas for your Naming Ceremony

Ideas for your Naming Ceremony

What is an Adoption Ceremony?

What is an Adoption Ceremony?

Can I have a transgender Naming Ceremony or Renaming Ceremony?

Can I have a transgender Naming Ceremony or Renaming Ceremony?

When and where should naming ceremonies be held?

When and where should naming ceremonies be held?

Who is a Naming Ceremony for?

Who is a Naming Ceremony for?

What is a Naming Ceremony?

What is a Naming Ceremony?

Can we involve our other children in the Naming Ceremony?

Absolutely! Involving your other children in the naming ceremony is a wonderful way to personalise the event and make it truly inclusive for your whole family. By incorporating their presence and contributions, you not only create a more memorable experience but also strengthen the bonds between siblings.

Naming ceremonies are all about celebrating your unique family and welcoming your newest member. Including siblings in the festivities ensures they feel an important part of the occasion, fostering a sense of pride and connection.

How Can We Involve Our Other Children in the Naming Ceremony?

There are countless ways to involve siblings of all ages, making the ceremony as unique as your family. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

  1. Sibling Vows or Promises: Older children can share vows or promises to look after and support their new sibling. These can be sweet, funny, or heartfelt, reflecting their personality.
  2. Readings or Poems: Encourage siblings to select or write a meaningful reading, poem, or letter. This is a beautiful way for them to express their feelings.
  3. Unity Candle Ceremony: Each family member can light a candle, symbolising unity and togetherness as you welcome the new addition.
  4. Sand Ceremony: Allow each sibling to pour different coloured sand into a shared vessel, creating a lasting and colourful keepsake of the day.
  5. Family Handfasting: In a modern twist on a traditional ritual, siblings can help tie symbolic ribbons during a family handfasting ceremony.
  6. Tree Planting Ceremony: Planting a tree as a family is a symbolic act of growth and nurturing. Siblings can help plant the tree, leaving a lasting memory of the day.
  7. Circle of Support: Create a special moment where siblings, family, and friends form a circle around the child, offering their love and blessings.
  8. Finger Painting or Family Tree: Younger siblings can contribute to a keepsake by adding their fingerprints or helping to create a painted family tree.
  9. Songs and Music: If they enjoy performing, siblings could sing a song, play an instrument, or lead a family singalong.
  10. Storytelling: Let siblings share a favourite story or memory about the family or their excitement for the new addition.
Can we include our other children in a naming ceremony Three children smiling and hugging at naming ceremony

Photo Credit: Charlotte Conlay Saffron Ceremonies

Why Include Siblings in a Naming Ceremony?

Involving your children can help them feel connected to their new sibling, easing transitions and encouraging closeness. By recognising their importance in the family unit, you’re also creating beautiful memories and a shared experience they’ll cherish for years to come.

Incorporating siblings in the naming ceremony ensures that it is not only a celebration of your new addition but also a joyful occasion for your entire family.

Special Roles: Can Siblings Be Godparents?

Older children could be honorary guide-parents or mentors, taking on an official role in their sibling’s life.

Appointing a sibling as a Godparent can be an incredibly beautiful, significant way to emphasise the idea of the Godparent always being a key part of the child’s life. While couples may break apart and friends can slip in and out of people’s lives, a sibling bond will always remain.

Wondering what to call them? Read our guide on what to call godparents at a naming ceremony

siblings as godparents

Can a Celebrant Help Us Plan How to Involve Our Other Children?

Independent celebrants are experts in crafting ceremonies that truly reflect your family’s story and values. They can guide you with creative suggestions to ensure every child feels involved and valued. From tailored roles for siblings to designing rituals that resonate with your family, a celebrant will help you turn your vision into a reality.

Your celebrant will take the time to get to know your family, asking thoughtful questions to understand what makes your bond unique. They will then craft a personalised ceremony that includes meaningful roles for everyone, ensuring a day full of connection and joy.

End your ceremony with a heartfelt family moment that captures the essence of your unique bond.

Ready to start planning?

Find the perfect celebrant to bring your vision to life! Let’s create memories that last a lifetime.