If, like a growing number of parents, you would like to celebrate the birth of your child but have decided against a christening, alternatives such as a church blessing, naming ceremony or simple "naming day" are becoming increasingly popular.
Naming ceremonies are non-religious ceremonies. As with weddings, a number of venues nationwide are able to hold a naming ceremony and organisations such as The British Humanist Association (BHA) can arrange a special ceremony to welcome your child. Humanists believe there is no higher power than humanity and that we have advanced through our own efforts, without God.
Chequers Hotel in Dalton in Furness are very well experienced and can help families decide how they would like the ceremony to be organised.
You can lead the ceremony yourself or the BHA can provide a trained 'celebrant', who can help you to prepare the ceremony and lead it on the day. During the ceremony you, as parents, state your love and commitment to your child and declare hopes for their future. You can choose to read poetry with music playing in the background.
Rather than godparents, whose traditional role is to help guide the child in a Christian life, "supporting adults" or "mentors" (who may be friends or family) just need to say that they will be there for your child as he or she grows up and throughout their life in whatever way is needed.
Naming ceremonies are not legally binding and do not have any legal status, although you may be presented with a record of the ceremony as a token of the day.
For more information on non-religious ceremonies contact the friendly team at Chequers on 01229 465910
