What is an Adoption Ceremony?

Welcoming a child or young adult into a new family is a wonderful milestone, in not only their life but also that of their new parents. Adoption is a conscious and intentional choice, often one that is a lengthy and sometimes difficult process. This journey should be recognised, and a ceremony offers a powerful way to say we are all here together.

What is an adoption ceremony?

An adoption ceremony is a celebration of a child or children joining a family. A welcome of sorts. A chance for a family to acknowledge the gift of love and union. A place to share what a child brings to a family, a chance for new memories to be made together. And a place to accept the challenges of the past and share hopes and dreams of the future.

How do you personalise an adoption ceremony?

Adoption ceremonies can be personalised with the lighting of candles, planting of trees and carefully chosen readings or music. If you have a religious belief this too is something that can be incorporated with prayers or readings. Grandparents and siblings can also be included with symbolic actions like a sand ceremony, where particles are blended together symbolising a bond as a family that is impossible to separate.

Supporting adults and other family members can make pledges to the child and to the family to guide them. Families can pledge to each other all their love and happiness, along with their wishes as part of the ceremony.

Certificates can be signed or even stamped with colourful fingerprints to create a memento of the ceremony. Bubbles can be blown and singing can all be incorporated to create a fun and laughter filled experience for everyone.