The baptism of a child is most often the first sacred event in his life, a special sacrament associated with future spiritual development. It is believed that on this amazing and bright day it becomes the time when the baby receives God's grace, a guardian angel and two significant people are assigned to him - the godfather and the godmother. It is they who will bear the responsibility for the spiritual upbringing of the child in the traditions of Christianity, bringing him to faith and God. What should be given to children for christening from their godparents, what rules should be followed regarding the ceremony - read in detail in the article.
The day a child or teenager is baptized in church is called christening. Usually the sacrament is divided into two parts: the church ceremony itself and the celebration at home, with family and closest friends. Mom and dad set the table and treat the guests with delicacies, and those who come give the newly baptized child memorable and symbolic gifts.
Child Baptism
What is customary to give children from their godparents?
The sacrament of christening places important responsibilities on godparents. During the ritual, they seem to renounce everything sinful and make a promise before people and God that they will support the little one on his path and help him gain faith, as well as protect him from evil intent and various temptations.
Godparents are a kind of spiritual mentors and guides who help mom and dad raise a child as a worthy person with clear moral guidelines. In this regard, both the gifts of the godmother and father should be aimed at the spiritual development of the godson.
The traditional baptism package includes:
- baptismal suit - a white shirt or dress, as a symbol of the purity of a young soul, panties or tights, a headdress - a neat hat or scarf;
- kryzhma is a white towel in which a child is wrapped after he has been sprinkled or removed from the font;
- the pectoral cross is a symbol of faith and protection;
- an icon with the face of the patron saint after whom the boy or girl is named.
Traditional christening set
According to traditions, godparents can give a child a silver spoon with church symbols or the baby’s name at christening. This gift is a souvenir, at first the parents keep it as a treasure, and then use it to feed the child.
Children over one year old can be given educational toys, books, mosaics, panels, a doll in the form of an angel. Teenagers need to choose a gift with meaning - it could be the Bible, spiritual literature, books on psychology and self-development. If the family is a believer, the girl or guy is given a biography of a saint or a pilgrimage trip to sacred places.
Traditional gifts for a child
At christenings it is customary to give things related to the rite of Baptism and the Orthodox faith.
Christening robe
The child is dressed for the sacrament in special clothes called baptismal clothes. It is customary for it to be new and subsequently stored throughout its life.
The list of baptismal clothing includes:
- Christening shirt (for newborns). For a girl, the shirt looks more like a tiny dress. It is decorated with lace and Orthodox embroidery (crosses, ears of wheat, grape leaves). A boy's shirt should also be long, reaching to his toes or even longer. The traditional style is trapezoidal. The presence of lace will emphasize the touchingness of the moment for parents. Length – to the toes or 20 centimeters below.
The color range of baptismal shirts is white (for boys and girls), blue (for boys), pink (for girls). The style is of concern to parents, but the main thing for the child is comfort. Christening clothes must be made of hypoallergenic, natural fabric, with high-quality seams and decorative elements.
- Christening suit for a boy (ages 1 to 3 years). There are 2 types of costumes: from 2 elements (shirt and pants) and one-piece (like sandpipers). Color – milky or white.
- Christening dress for girls (from 1 year to 3 years). An elegant white dress can be with or without Orthodox symbols, with long or short sleeves.
The style of baptismal clothing has its own meaning: the length of the shirt/dress means longevity; lace along the hem - fullness of life in the future. Baptismal linen can be passed on by inheritance: for the baptism of your children and grandchildren.
Kryzhma
The piece of fabric in which the child will be wrapped after the bath should be white with lace. For these purposes, choose a towel (linen, terry), a piece of material. The towel is kept throughout life as a memory of the Orthodox sacrament. Only new, pure Kryzhma is used, like the soul of a newly baptized baby.
Pectoral cross
The Orthodox symbol of faith can be made of precious metal or alloy on a chain (gold/silver) or cord. A cross purchased at a jewelry store must be blessed before the ceremony.
Silver spoon
A silver spoon with Orthodox engraving is given for baptism to babies up to six months old (for the first tooth). The memorial ceremony can be immortalized with an inscription with the child's name and the date of baptism. In addition to it, they buy an icon with a guardian angel and a prayer. Your baby's first cutlery will be a treasured family souvenir.
Educational games or books
Older children are given items appropriate to their age. For a boy these are games on Orthodox symbols, for girls - puzzles. Fairy tales and funny adventures that children can read themselves will be a good gift.
Spiritual literature
Starting from school age, children can be given religious works, such as the Bible for children, the Gospel, and the lives of saints.
How to choose an icon for a christening?
Once upon a time, on the day of baptism, the named parents presented the child with a measured icon with the namesake patron, which they had ordered in advance from icon painters. It was measured because its size was equal to the height of its godson.
After the consecration, the icon was placed at the child’s cradle. If there is no opportunity to give such an icon now, you can buy an icon of the patron saint in a church shop. You can choose an icon with a guardian angel or one of the most revered saints, and give the girl the face of the Virgin Mary.
How to choose a christening icon
It is better if the godfather and mother agree on how they will distribute gifts and responsibilities among themselves. In this case, there will be no annoying repetitions of attributes, and traditions will be respected.
Festive table
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The festive feast is an integral part of the celebration. However, you should always remember that the presence of alcohol on the table is inappropriate, because the holiday itself brings quiet joy, and alcohol is incompatible with a quiet and modest table.
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Pay attention to light dishes that will be an excellent addition to tea drinking. Pancakes, delicious homemade pastries (sweet and savory), light portioned salads and much more will be an excellent solution for this modest spiritual holiday.
Gift from godmother
At the boy’s christening, the mother can give the godson a set of kizhma and a baptismal shirt, having previously asked the mother for the sizes. On white fabric, you can embroider lace patterns with your own hands using gold or blue threads. Usually crosses, angels, birds, floral patterns are depicted, the name of the child and the date of christening are embroidered.
In the baptism ceremony of a girl, the godmother presides - she holds the baby in her arms throughout the ceremony. In addition to the traditional set of white clothes, the godmother can give the girl things that symbolize their spiritual connection. This could be an icon with the Mother of God, a prayer book, a cross or pendant, candles, a children's Bible with bright illustrations, any philosophical parables and good fairy tales.
Of course, the baby will not understand the content of the Holy Scriptures or fairy tales, but as his mother and father grow up, he will introduce the child to the gift, and this will be the beginning of his introduction to the spiritual life.
Gift from godmother
Boy baptism names
The choice of name plays a huge role in the baptism process. Often quite serious disagreements arise on this issue, which are quite difficult to bring to a common denominator. Therefore, it is better to turn to a clergyman, who will always advise what to do in a given situation.
Most often you have to choose a name for christening when the secular name is not Orthodox. If it is present in the church canon, then it is not at all necessary to change it. There is still a practice of giving different church and secular names. According to many parishioners, this protects the baby from the evil eye or other energetic influences. However, the church does not recognize the possibility of such outside influences. Therefore, the choice of name largely depends on the personal wishes of the parents. Often a name is chosen according to Christmastide, naming the child after a saint revered on the day or period of birth.
- Is it possible to be a godmother several times?
- Responsibilities of a godmother;
- On what days is it better to baptize a child?
From godfather
Before the ritual, the godfather gives his godson or goddaughter a pectoral cross, which the clergyman puts on the baby at the end of the ritual. It can be gold, silver, metal or wood, the most important thing is that it is pre-consecrated.
Traditionally, a cross is given with a chain, but you need to understand that on a baby’s delicate skin it will be better to wear a cotton rope of a suitable and safe size. You can crochet such a strong thread yourself using a simple technique.
Another contribution of the godfather is to make a donation for performing the sacrament in the church and to give the godson some significant thing that appeals to the child’s soul and contributes to the development of his skills. This can be a religious book if the family is a believer, any other educational literature, a high-quality wooden toy, clothing or educational games, as well as a souvenir item that will be cherished first by the parents, and then by the child himself.
Gift from godfather
When is the baptism ceremony performed?
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It is recommended to carry out this ritual as early as possible. Again, with reference to distant dark times, when the mortality rate was high not only for adults, but also for children.
However, today it is not uncommon for adults to be baptized. Despite the recommendations to carry out baptism as early as possible, it is the baptism of an adult that is considered the most complete and meaningful process, since a person approaches this consciously.
There is another interesting fact about when it is necessary to baptize children. Previously, when baptism was taken more seriously, people chose a later time to perform this rite. They wanted to enjoy sinful deeds all their lives, and resorted to baptism almost on their deathbed in order to enter heavenly life cleansed of filth and sinfulness. However, the church quickly saw through the evil plan of the cunning people and began to fight this trend, demanding that baptism be performed already on the eighth day after the birth of the baby.
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It is not recommended that the child’s godparents be his own parents, and we have already discussed the reasons for this - the child must have a reliable rear in case something happens to his parents. Once you have chosen godparents for your child, they take on enormous responsibility for the process. And the main manifestation of their responsibility is the choice of a gift for a godson or goddaughter. The chosen gift will indicate a reverent and touching attitude towards the child, as well as towards the event itself, which occurs only once in the baby’s life.
What is customary to give as a baptism gift from relatives?
After the christening ceremony, almost the whole family gathers at the festive table - grandparents, aunts, uncles, sisters and brothers on both sides. On such an important day, gifts are prepared not only by godparents, but also by all the other guests who were invited to the family holiday.
Grandparents can buy their child clothes or an icon, a pillow with an embroidered prayer, a hand-knitted blanket, or several pairs of warm socks.
Relatives can give educational toys, sets of children's dishes, girls - earrings for the future, boys - an elegant suit or designer set, bedding sets or any attributes of a nursery, practical things or decor. It is appropriate to present the mother with a beautiful bouquet of flowers, congratulating her and the father on a clean and bright holiday.
It all depends on the imagination and finances of the guests: the gift does not have to be expensive, the main thing is to give it with attention and warmth.
A handmade craft can be original - a postcard, photo frame, panel, embroidery or a beautiful handmade cake.
What is customary to give as a christening gift from relatives?
Baby boy christening set
Selecting the necessary items for carrying out the sacrament is an important preparatory stage. Not a single baptismal ceremony is complete without these attributes, regardless of which church it takes place in. It is important to understand that there are certain rules for the christening of a boy.
Christenings cannot take place without:
- kryzhma - the main element of the ritual, which is a white diaper with an embroidered cross, often openwork, sometimes you can find variations with the initials of the baby;
- christening shirt - if the parents wish, it can be openwork, but even the simplest one will do;
- blankets or large white towels.
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Sometimes the set is also complemented by a cap and socks. However, this is not mandatory. All these attributes are family heirlooms and are kept in the family for many years. Therefore, they are strictly not recommended for use in everyday life. Many mothers noted the healing properties of kryzhma. If you cover your baby with a baptismal cloth during illness, the healing process will go much faster.
Some parents believe in the belief that in order for sons born in the same family to be friendly with each other, the younger child must be baptized in the shirt of the older one. Whether this method actually works or is simply self-hypnosis, each believer must decide for himself. However, there will definitely be no harm from this.
Gifts from guests
If you've been invited to share the joy of baptism with your family, you can give a practical gift that the baby will love and the parents will approve of. Options include elegant dresses and suits according to age or for teenagers, soft toys, games, cakes, playpen/walkers, educational mat, certificate for a family photo. Everything according to the child’s needs and age.
A universal choice is to give an amount acceptable to you in an envelope, so that mom and dad can decide for themselves what their baby needs most now. You can give the certificate to children's goods stores - it is very practical and convenient for parents. There are no recommendations on the size of a monetary gift: everyone decides how much money to give according to their financial capabilities and the laws of appropriateness.
Practical gifts for baptism
Although some people believe that a baptismal gift should, first of all, be a souvenir. But as you know, young children need a lot of things to make life easier. If you want to give your child a practical gift, ask the parents if there is anything they need. It could be:
- electronic nanny
; - rocking chair
with carousel; - playpen
.
Thanks to such additions, the life of the father and mother will become easier, and the child will be much more fun and safe.
Of course, different types of vouchers also make a good gift. Children grow up very quickly, and gift cards
You will save your daily budget on clothes.
What to give an adult for christening?
It also happens that an adult is baptized in church. In such situations, few people plan a major celebration - baptism takes place in the circle of those closest to them.
What to give an adult for christening
It is best to give a gift related to faith, because what did a person come to God for at a conscious age, if not for it? Give a collector's edition of the Bible or hagiography. In search of a gift, you can visit an Orthodox shop and choose something there: an icon, illuminated honey, monastery bread, homemade marshmallows or another pleasant surprise for the newly baptized.
Presents for parents
In addition to the fact that guests come with gifts for the boy, they can also present gifts to the child’s parents:
- Basket of fruits or sweets.
- A personalized cake in honor of the christening, which all guests present will definitely try.
- Cahors wine with a good aging period.
- Organization of filming of christenings.
- Delivery of flowers to the location of the baptism ceremony.
- Celebrating christening in a cafe.
- Presentation of a set of casts for taking a boy's foot and palm print.
Giving traditions at christenings
People's opinions about baptism gifts can vary greatly depending on the views and customs of a particular family.
- Find out in advance whether the gift you choose will be appropriate, whether mom and dad will like a practical thing, or whether something related to spirituality is required.
- Ask about the child's current sizes.
- Find out if there is something that is needed specifically now - for example, a pair of baby undershirts is missing or the baby has grown out of onesies.
- Do not give overly religious gifts unless you are sure that mom and dad are truly believers. Many people adhere to traditions only because it is customary, and christenings also belong to this, playing the role of a social celebration.
- Do not give watches, knives, or sharp objects: this is of no use to a small child, and giving such things to adults is a bad omen.
- You can only accept icons and crosses from very close people. In principle, such gifts should only be given by godparents. Do not spend money on a church amulet without being sure that it will be accepted and worn.
Traditions of giving at christenings
Christening is a special holiday in the life of every person. On such a day, godparents present their ward with gifts aimed at developing high moral qualities and values of the child. Godmothers and fathers become senior mentors, family members who help the child succeed in this life and grow up happy. That is why it is important to choose as godparents those who will really take part in the baby’s life and are ready to support him all the way.
The meaning of the rite of baptism
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As a rule, long before the baby is born, parents already begin to think about who to take as godparents. Today this tradition has somewhat lost its original meaning.
Once upon a time, in distant dark times, when mortality was incredibly high, godparents, taking part in this ritual, gave their agreement to raise the child (both spiritual and physical), and took on enormous responsibility if the child’s parents will leave our world. Now, fortunately, this happens extremely rarely, and the function of godparents is reduced to a minimum of annual congratulations to their godchildren on their name day and birthday, and at a maximum to spiritual education and care for their charges.
Baptism is a special sacrament during which a person unites with God, opening for himself the path to a wonderful life (worldly and spiritual). Baptism is a symbol of faith and hope, as well as a huge invisible connection between all family members, immeasurable in its strength and depth.
Parental consent alone is not always sufficient for baptism. So, before the child turns 7 years old, the ceremony is allowed only with the consent of the child’s parents, because only during this period they bear full responsibility for the child before God. In the period from 7 to 14 years, in order to carry out the ritual, you will have to obtain the consent of not only the parents, but also the child himself, who can already make a decision. For those who have crossed the threshold of 14 years, parental consent is no longer required - they can make such decisions independently.
Interview before christening for godparents
An interview before a christening is a mandatory requirement for godparents. The interview is conducted by the priest himself. He talks about what prayers you need to know, what to buy and bring, and how in general you should prepare for the Sacrament of Baptism. Before baptism, godparents fast for 3-4 days, refusing meat and dairy foods, as well as sexual relations. After the interview, a certificate of completion is issued (if the godparents are from another city, they can go to their church and come to the ceremony with this certificate).
