Baby Christening, Communion And Baptism In A Baby’s Identity

Baby christening is a practice that has been underway for many years, actually stemming from a greek word that means child.  The practice is intended to lead a child into a life of faith and strength through religion, and is seen among many denominations of various Christian, Protestant, and even Amish and Mennonite religions, in different forms. 

Through baptism, a child is given a place in the religious world of their parents and their family. Baby christening, communion and baptism all play an important part in shaping a child’s identity.

The specifics of a baptism are different for each denomination.  Usually a ceremony is undergone, using specific rites and recitations.  The priest or minister of the child’s family will usually perform the baptism.  Affusion and aspersion are the two most common methods of baptism, where water is sprinkled on the baby’s head. 

Some eastern orthodox and catholic religions immerse the baby’s entire body in water at a font, but pouring is still the most common method.  The minister says certain religious words to baptise the child during a ceremony. 

A christening gown is a common garment used for baptism.  The christening gown may be passed down for generations and become almost sacred in their use.  Usually these gowns are white or cream colored and have a great deal of intricate design.  These days, Baptismal outfits are more widely used than a gown for boys and girls, but they can be different for every family and tradition.  Usually whatever clothes are worn during and after the baptism are kept after the ceremony is over.

In most religious, christening for babies is considered so important that it is simply not optional.  By being christened, a baby is ensured a certain amount of faith within that religion.  He or she receives a great blessing that persists for as long as the child chooses to remain with the church.  However, baptism also binds a child to a specific religion and instills within him or her a sense of duty or obligation, very commonly, that the child might never want. 
However, baptism is also a way for children to feel included within a safe environment of faith and protection, in a church or specific Christian religion.  The practice of baptism is as much for the parents as it is for the child, to secure the child’s identity and religious safety.  This is part of why baptism gowns are so important and such treasured keepsakes, handed down for generations, to ensure that the family line continue in safety and religious security.

Ultimately, having a child baptised is a way to ensure faith and some membership within a specific church for that child.  As long as he or she has been baptised and received baby christening, communion and baptism, the child is given a measure of religious security and identity.  This may help to shape the child’s faith as he or she grows older, and to help him or her feel more included within the specific denomination that has been given to that child at birth.