What to wear for a Boys Christening/Baptism day.
The christening of a baby is a momentous occasion.
This religious ceremony often acts as their official introduction to the Church community and for many families acts as the child's religious indoctrination.
Each family has their own traditions and will pass these traditions down from generation to generation.
Boys can wear either a traditional style of gown or suit for their baptism.
A traditional style of gown tends to be worn by a younger baby boy that is usually under 6 months old.
For older babies, parents prefer to dress their boys in either a suit or romper that is made from silk.
This outfit is kept by the family as a keepsake and tends to be passed down to the next generation, therefore making it a family heirloom christening outfit.
In some traditions, the Godparents purchase the outfit for their Godchild with a number of other items like a gold cross and chain.
This will be kept by the child to be treasured for life! In the Greek orthodox religion, it is a tradition of the Godparents to purchase the gown, cross, towels, oil cap, sheet, nappy, icon, candle, singlet and soap.
These accessories are taken in a large decorative box to the church by the Godparents.
Once the baby is baptised by the priest, the Godparents dress the child in his new outfit.
This is usually a white garment and marks the moment of the child's baptism.
In a Catholic baptism, the baby is taken to the church in his outfit which can be either a gown or a suit.
The priest baptises the baby using a white garment as a symbol.
The white garment is a symbol of our Christian purity and dignity.
It also means we are "putting on Christ" and are now a follower of the Church.
In a Catholic baptism, one of the Godparents/Sponsor must have received the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist and Confirmation.
This person needs to be a practising Catholic and their role is to be a spirital mentor for the child in their faith.
Their responsibility is to support their Godchild in following a christian life in fellowship with the church.
The Godparent needs to set an example for the child by attending church regularly and support him/her on a christian journey through life.
Other items that are used in a Catholic baptism are: 1.
Chrism oil - This blessed oil is placed on the chest and forehead of the baby and is a sign of the Holy Spirit.
2.
Candle - The candle is a symbol of the light of Christ and reflects the burning light of faith.
This candle is lit from the church candle which is used at Easter time.
3.
Water - Water washes away our original sin and makes us followers of Christ.