Naming or Re-Naming Celebrancy
Names are the first piece of information we tend to share with others. They stand for us in our absence and often enshrine elements of our family history. We choose names for our children and bestow them with many hopes and aspirations for their future. The names we choose embody our own beliefs and preferences. Creating a ceremony during which we can explore and connect to these meanings and hopes sets the scene for the life ahead.
When we have no formal religion we do not feel it appropriate to name a child with the burden of a dogma which has no meaning for us. However, we can create a ceremony and meaning for them, and ourselves. Whilst a traditional Christening introduces a child to their community and to God; a Naming ceremony can be structured to make connections with your own beliefs, approaches and communities.
Naming ceremonies can happen at other times too. There are times in our lives when a name we have lived with no longer represents who we are or what we want to be.
For instance, the process of Adoption and its legal ramifications often draws focus from the joy and excitement of a new family. A meaningful ceremony can help rebalance this.
We may want to change our identity for any number of reasons. Divorce or changed circumstances, a desire to distance ourselves from the past, or a commitment to a new life or gender.
Taking the time to acknowledge those changes and to celebrate a new future can help us strengthen connections within our family and community as well as setting a clear intention for ourselves and those closest to us.