What is a Humanist Naming ceremony?

A Humanist Naming ceremony is held to welcome a new life into the family, the community and to the world. It is an opportunity to gather together with family and friends to celebrate your child’s birth and, if you wish, to appoint guideparents/guardians.

So, it’s like a non-religious Christening?

That’s one way of putting it, yes.

Where can I have it?

That’s up to you really. Many families have the ceremony in their home or garden. Others use a community centre or restaurant or a private room in a hotel or pub. I’ve also seen Naming ceremonies conducted in a public park, at the zoo and at a family activity estate.

What happens during the ceremony?

I will welcome everyone and explain why we are gathered. Typically there would then be contributions from parents, grandparents and others – for example readings, poems, words written especially for the occasion and also symbolic rituals like candle lighting, a sand ceremony or blanket wrapping. You might choose to have a keepsake box with messages and/or items in it. If there are older brothers and/or sisters they might make and present a gift to the baby. You could also have some music, particularly if there are any musicians or singers among the group. There is also a formal naming element and some closing words.

What about “guideparents”?

Most people appoint guideparents (also called guardians) and they play a part in the ceremony, however this is optional.

And what do people usually do after the ceremony?

Again that’s up to you. Most have food and drinks and family and friends stay around together for a few hours. If there are a lot of children, activities are often organised for them.

How do I arrange a ceremony?

The best thing to do is to email me: margaret@margaretgammell.com. Please include your preferred date if you have one, and a general timeframe if not. Also let me know your location and where you hope to have the ceremony. I’ll then come back to you and, assuming we can find a suitable date, I’ll arrange to come and meet with you to plan the ceremony and go through the various options. (If you are some distance away we might need to do this meeting by phone or video call.)

Are you available at weekends?

Yes.

Do you travel to all parts of the country?

I live in Shannon, Co. Clare and I am happy to travel to venues up to 50km away at no extra cost to you. For other areas we can discuss arrangements.

What happens next?

If I am available I will respond with more details including my fee and how the process works. I’ll ask you for any further information I need. I will hold the date for you for one week.

Assuming you want to go ahead with the booking, let me know within one week. I will then confirm the date in my diary and send you an email with details of next steps to fully confirm your booking.