5 Things You Should Know if You’re Attending a Family Christening
A christening or baptism is a very special occasion for the individual being christened, their family, and the congregants. It is a time when family and friends come together to celebrate the new arrival into the Christian faith.
If you have been invited to attend a christening or baptism, there are a few things you should know so you can make the most out of the occasion. From what to wear to what to expect, this guide can help ensure that you are prepared for the big day.
Read on for five things you should know if you’re attending a family christening or baptism.
1. Christenings and Baptisms Are Not The Same Thing
While the words Christening and baptism are sometimes used interchangeably, these traditional Christian ceremonies are not exactly the same thing.
What’s Family Christening?
A christening is a ceremony in the Christian religion that marks the welcoming of a baby or child into the church and the Christian faith. It is a common practice amongst Catholics, Anglicans, and some protestant Christian denominations. Much like baptism, however, Christening involves a blessing where the baby that’s being christened is submerged into, marked, or sprinkled with water.
This is done in the presence of the child’s parents or godparents, who promise to bring up the child within the Christian faith. It also helps to know that the parents are not required to be Christian in order for their children to be christened.
What is Baptism?
Baptism is a traditional Christian ceremony where water is sprinkled on a person’s forehead or their body fully submerged in water to symbolize their purification and rebirth in Christ, as well as their admission into Christian Faith. It can be performed on anyone despite their age as long as they’re committed to becoming Christian and following its doctrine.
Britannica’s definition of baptism points out that it became a ritual when Jesus, the son of God was baptized by St. John the Baptist, thereafter ordering his Apostles to Baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as seen in Matthew 28:19. Nonetheless, baptisms are not a requirement of salvation.
2. Christenings and Baptisms Are Often Conducted In Church
In many Christian denominations, Christenings and baptisms are usually conducted in church during Sunday services. This means that when attending a baptism or family christening, you should prepare to spend time in church, probably throughout the entire service. And more often than not, family christenings and baptisms occur collectively, so you can expect a long queue of adults or babies waiting to be baptized or christened.
3. You Don’t Have To Be a Member of the Church to Attend a Christening or Baptism
In the same way that parents don’t have to be Christian for their child to be baptized, you do not have to be a member of the church to attend a baptism or christening ceremony.
4. Many People Will Bring Gifts (Though This Isn’t Obligatory)
It is common practice for the congregants to grant gifts to their newly baptized or christened loved ones as a way to welcome and congratulate them. While this isn’t usually obligatory, it’s good etiquette to get a gift for the individual whose baptism or christening you’re attending.
The good part is that there’s a huge range of baptism presents to pick from out there, from rosaries to crucifixes, baptism cards, and even Christian portraits.
5. There’s No Specific Dress Code
Have you been wondering what to wear to the event? It’s pretty simple. You can wear pretty much any decent and appropriate attire that you feel comfortable in without exposing too much of your body. Since these are religious rituals, decency is the keyword! Oftentimes, there’s no specific dress code!
As an invitee, the thought of attending a family Christening or baptism can be exciting. Almost in equal measure, it can also be a daunting experience if it’s your first time and you don’t know what to expect.
Thankfully, the above few pointers can ease the anxiety and help you prepare adequately for the big day.