From time immemorial people have celebrated the special occasions – the ‘rites of passage’ – in their lives. Parents and families often want a meaningful way that is non-religious to celebrate the safe arrival of a child into their family.
Baby Naming and Welcoming Ceremonies
Namings are a special opportunity to hold a moving and happy celebration of the arrival of new human being into our world. A ceremony, gathering and special time for family and friends to express their hopes, wishes and aspirations for the future of a child.
To raise children without formal religion is not, of course to raise them without values. Parents have chosen a Humanist Ceremony because they believe that their child should be free to make their own choice about what they each believe when they are older. The naming ceremonies I conduct are an occasion based on the humanist philosophy of life, which centres on concern for our fellow human beings, but is tolerant of other beliefs. As Humanists, we believe that we need to make the most of the one life we have as resourceful, self-reliant, realistic and constructive human beings.
Humanist naming ceremonies don’t follow a rigidly prescribed pattern. Some ceremonies are small and intimate, others large and an excuse for a big party. I am dedicated to ensuring that each celebration is unique, relevant and dignified. Parents are always closely involved in deciding both the form and content, and help to choose the words.
Prices
Humanist Naming and Welcoming Ceremonies are priced at £360. I require that half of the fee is paid as a deposit at the initial family meeting. The balance of the fee is due a week in advance of the naming.
There is an additional charge for more than one child during the same ceremony.
Mileage will be charged outside of the Greater London area.
To get a quote and discuss the special day for you and your child please Contact Jill
FAQ
When do I do my Baby’s Naming and Welcoming Ceremony?
Naming and Welcoming Ceremonies can take place any time from birth onward. Most families chose to have their humanist naming and ceremonies between the ages of 1-3 years, for their individual child, though any age is fine.
What is contained in the Baby Naming Ceremony?
I always do a family visit to your home, where I conduct an in-depth interview with you to plan your ceremony. This normally takes between 1-2 hours.
I then write a script and send it to you in advance of the ceremony for comments and factual edits. Copyright for my scripts is retained by Jill Satin as author.
I ask parents to think about their commitments, child and parenting roles and aspirations and to write them down. You read them during the ceremony.
I advise on readings and contributions like music.
On the day of the Naming and Welcoming Ceremony I come to your home or venue and conduct the ceremony.
When should I book my Humanist Naming Ceremony ?
Spring and summer weekends do get rather busy for Naming Ceremonies for Humanist Celebrants.. so please do try to book well in advance.
How long does a ceremony last ?
Usually between 25-35 minutes.. as the ceremony involves multiple generations in families and little children and babies I try to keep it short, creative, interactive and meaningful.
Where do I have my baby Naming Ceremony ?
Most often in your home, or your garden, or a hired child-friendly venue like a community centre, a school, …. somewhere that you and your family is most comfortable.
Do I have a ceremony for each of my children ?
Yes. It is special and important for each child to have their own special Naming and Welcoming ceremony. I often work with families over many years (lovely for me) as the number of their children grows.
Can I do all my children together ?
Some families wait to do all their children together when they have completed their families. So often 2-3 children ranging in age from 1-10.
I do make sure that I have separate and distinct sections for each child during the joint ceremony. There is an extra charge for multiple namings during the same ceremony.
What are Guide parents or Mentors ?
Guide parents and mentors can be either friends or family or both. They should be willing to provide your child with love, guidance, support, advice, fun, adventure and friendship as the child grows through their childhood and teen years.
Do I have to have Guide parents and Mentors for my child ?
No, some parents don’t want to have Guide Parents. This is a personal choice.
They often ask all their family and friends to promise to look out for their child’s welfare.
How many Guide Parents should I have ?
Again no rules. Most often parents choose between two and four. Some choose one, some 6 or more. It’s your decision.
Do the Guide Parents have to do anything ?
Guide parents have no legal responsibility unless you have seperately appointed them in your legal wills. They do have a moral and humanist responsibility to your child and family.
Often Guide Parents will want to do a reading or say a few words. I do always ask them to make verbal promises and commitments during the ceremony.
What and why are aspirations and promises made to a child ?
Naming and Welcoming Ceremonies provide the chance for the child’s parents to speak about their own role as parents, and the changes their baby/child has made in their lives. Thus giving them the opportunity to publicly express their love, commitments, and wishes and hope for their child.
I can help to guide you with these.
Contact me if you have further questions or would like to arrange a booking.