Naming and Welcoming Children
The Naming Ceremony is a joyful public occasion when the child is officially welcomed into the social community of its parents. It is a two-way celebration. The parents open their arms to show the child to the community, and the community recognized the new person. There is a grave responsibility and hopeful love (and often tears, laughter, and the giggling of siblings) in the moment of announcing the name of a newly arrived baby.
In welcoming a new child, the parents and the community celebrate their commitment to nurture the child in a caring and responsible way. To protect from harm, while exposing to learning; to love and challenge; to be there, and to let the child be herself or himself.
The Naming Ceremony often follows a Sunday Platform at the Ethical Society, or it may take place at home. Arrangements for a naming ceremony are made between the parents and the leader.
©1997-2007 Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture
this page last revision: 4/23/07