Baptisms and christenings are the traditional religious rituals to welcome a baby into the church. Although more people are leaning away from religious ceremonies, there is still a need to celebrate the birth of a child with a secular ritual. If you’re looking for a non-religious option for a baptism, you can create a ceremony that fits your beliefs. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Baby Blessing Ceremony
Pull in any elements of your choosing when you host a baby blessing ceremony. It could be an interfaith ceremony or a no-faith ceremony where you bring your friends and family together to meet your baby and welcome him or her into your community. Ask each guest to bring a special blessing to the baby, not a physical gift, but a hope or desire for the future or words of wisdom. You could create a memory box and light candles before having a meal together.
Naming Ceremony
Naming ceremonies are parts of many cultures. With a bit of creativity, you can structure your ritual around your own culture and traditions, including elements that have meaning for your family. Use modern technology to make a video of good wishes that your child can revisit each year on birthdays. Ask an officiant to speak words of wisdom over the child or bring family members together to provide special blessings. Instead of a balloon release, which is bad for the environment, hold a bubble-blowing ceremony as a way to send your hopes for your child into the world.
Plant a Tree
In many cultures, trees are planted at births and deaths to represent life and growth. Select a tree that is right for the growing zone and won’t get too large for the yard. Watching the tree grow as the child grows is a nice remembrance for parents and grandparents both. Dogwood trees represent loyalty and kindness. A gingko tree represents longevity. Maple trees symbolize intelligence and generosity. If you don’t have a yard where you can plant a tree, look for a small or dwarf variety that can be planted in a container or find a park where you can dedicate a tree.
Create a Time Capsule
You could incorporate a time capsule into your blessing ceremony or make it on your own if you can’t bring your support system together. Ask each guest to bring something for your baby to commemorate the birth. You could include family photos, a newspaper from the day of the birth, stamps, coins or other gifts to be opened when the child reaches a significant birthday. Label the box and stash it away in a closet.
Alternatives to Godparents
At one time, godparents would take over raising a child if the parents died. Today, godparents are more of a religious support system. There’s no reason to call them godparents. Humanists call these people “guideparents.” Some Unitarian churches call them Anam Cáirde, which means soul friends. You could refer to the person or persons you choose as a mentor or as an honorary aunt and uncle. The title itself isn’t as important as the relationship.
Create a Joyous Occasion
A baptism isn’t a spectacle. It’s a meaningful ritual to welcome the baby. If you want to hold a non-religious alternative, you can still celebrate your child’s entrance into your life with a small party that has meaning for your family. Don’t think about going over the top. Think about how to personalize your ceremony for your child and your support system. Make the ceremony about the child instead of any religion. Bring meaning to your child’s birth by choosing the elements that have value for you and your family.
Whether you had a huge, lavish affair or a smaller, more understated gathering, your wedding was a special day. You tied the knot with the love of your life surrounded by your closest friends and family. Your heart is overflowing with love and excitement about the journey ahead, but you’re also brimming with gratitude. Between wedding participants, guests, gift-givers, well-wishers and even professionals, other people helped to make the day one to cherish. Here’s what you should know about expressing your gratitude to others.
Develop a Plan
When you consider all the people to thank, it can be overwhelming to address everyone. You may be tempted to send an e-mail or a text message to friends, but a thoughtfully written note, thank you card or some other token of appreciation is usually best. Crack open an Excel spreadsheet to make a list of everyone you want to acknowledge. You can organize your lists according to the various parts that people played. A handwritten note to gift-givers might be one approach, while you also include a small gift to the people who were in the wedding party or offered services. Coming up with a plan is the best way to make sure that you don’t forget anyone.
Thank Thee Right Away
Many couples follow up a wedding immediately with a honeymoon that keeps them from working on writing thank you notes. As soon as you are back home, you should get started immediately. Start with your wedding party and anyone who played a role in the planning, marriage ceremony, reception and pre-wedding events, such as a stag-and-doe or engagement party. Proceed with those who sent gifts ahead of and on the big day. You may continue to receive presents in the following months. Make a habit of immediately preparing a thank you note upon receipt of future gifts.
Several To Thank, Don’t Go It Alone
It took two to tango, or in this case, get married. Divide up the work between you and your spouse. Consider splitting the work down the middle or divvying up the task based on your strengths. If you’re the one who has the words to say, take care of the notes and let your partner be responsible for stuffing, stamping and sealing envelopes. Gratitude is something that comes from both of you, so it should be a group thing when it’s time to give thanks.
Personalize Your Note
When writing notes, it’s important to tailor them to the recipients. Be specific about the role they played or the gift they gave when you’re handwriting (yes, handwriting) your note. For gift-givers, consider taking a picture of their present so that you can talk specifically about their contribution and how much the two of you appreciate them, their thoughtfulness and their generosity. If some sent money or gift cards, be sure to mention the amount. No gift is too small to acknowledge!
Develop Templates
Coming up with an individual note for everyone who supported you may not be the best use of your time, energy and creativity. It’s ok to use a template or outline based on the people you’re thanking:
Wedding party: Thank them for supporting the two of you on the big day and acknowledge the time, energy and resources that they invested.
Ceremony participants: Tell them how special it was that they lent their talents in making the ceremony special.
Guests: Mention how much their presence and love honored you and your spouse.
Gift-givers: Acknowledge the gift they gave. Be sure to mention details about the present, including its benefit to your lives moving forward. In the case of gifts from couples and families, make it a point to mention everyone involved.
Expressing gratitude to all the people who helped make your nuptials can be a daunting task. It’s important to be organized, intentional and thorough when you’re showing appreciation. Tailored, handwritten notes or cards are always preferable to digital communications such as emails or texts.
Recognizing Old and Creating New Canadian Wedding Traditions
Weddings are one of the most fascinating cultural events for people all around the world. Every religion, country, and ethnic group has distinct traditions associated with weddings. Some wedding traditions require the pomp and circumstance of an ordained minister that has spent years learning theology and who is familiar with a specific sacred text. Other traditions are newly made by couples who are ready to make the world their own. Canadian wedding traditions are similar to many of those in Western culture.
A Typical Canadian Wedding
It is a little silly to label any one specific wedding style as typical. In the past, religion has dictated what is important in a wedding ceremony and what is not. A large and historic church, such as the Catholic Church, has specific ceremonies that accompany a wedding. In fact, they have important ceremonies for many things. One such holy rite was held on December 8th of 2013 as the Notre–DamedeQuebecBasilica received holy bronze doors that were to be opened after a priest knocked three times. Once the ceremony ends, the doors are sealed for at least 25 years, if not longer.
Non-Denominational Traditions
Even as children, many young women dream of their wedding day and once engaged, they excitedly plan every detail. Canadians host what is known as a TrousseauTea. Although not a particularly common practice, sewing a trousseau was very important to English women and some other European countries for many hundreds of years. Since cloth was precious, and a woman wanted to be able to bring lily while linens with her to her marriage, a girl would begin saving sheets, dresses, table cloths, etc., for her marriage. Now, instead of sewing bed sheets, Canadians prefer to host a luncheon or dinner for friends that cannot make it to the wedding ceremony. This special Tea could be described as making good memories with which to enter a marriage instead of linens. This is a Canadian wedding tradition that does not belong solely to any one religious denomination.
Saying Special Vows
A very common practice among married couples in Canada and around the world is writing their own vows before their wedding ceremonies. These vows can be anything a couple would like to promise one another. Ceremonies that contain personalized vows are able to be overseen by anyone who is ordained to perform weddings. There need not be any association with religion if the couple does not wish it. One of the most freeing options for any soon-to-be wed couple is the possibility of creating their own Canadian wedding traditions. Women and men are often excited to begin new lives starting with matrimony, and what better way is there than to start than with brand new traditions that can be passed on to their own children.
Baptisms and christenings are the traditional religious rituals to welcome a baby into the church. Although more people are leaning away from religious ceremonies, there is still a need to celebrate the birth of a child with a secular ritual. If you’re looking for a non-religious option for a baptism, you can create a ceremony that fits your beliefs. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Baby Blessing Ceremony
Pull in any elements of your choosing when you host a baby blessing ceremony. It could be an interfaith ceremony or a no-faith ceremony where you bring your friends and family together to meet your baby and welcome him or her into your community. Ask each guest to bring a special blessing to the baby, not a physical gift, but a hope or desire for the future or words of wisdom. You could create a memory box and light candles before having a meal together.
Naming Ceremony
Naming ceremonies are parts of many cultures. With a bit of creativity, you can structure your ritual around your own culture and traditions, including elements that have meaning for your family. Use modern technology to make a video of good wishes that your child can revisit each year on birthdays. Ask an officiant to speak words of wisdom over the child or bring family members together to provide special blessings. Instead of a balloon release, which is bad for the environment, hold a bubble-blowing ceremony as a way to send your hopes for your child into the world.
Plant a Tree
In many cultures, trees are planted at births and deaths to represent life and growth. Select a tree that is right for the growing zone and won’t get too large for the yard. Watching the tree grow as the child grows is a nice remembrance for parents and grandparents both. Dogwood trees represent loyalty and kindness. A gingko tree represents longevity. Maple trees symbolize intelligence and generosity. If you don’t have a yard where you can plant a tree, look for a small or dwarf variety that can be planted in a container or find a park where you can dedicate a tree.
Create a Time Capsule
You could incorporate a time capsule into your blessing ceremony or make it on your own if you can’t bring your support system together. Ask each guest to bring something for your baby to commemorate the birth. You could include family photos, a newspaper from the day of the birth, stamps, coins or other gifts to be opened when the child reaches a significant birthday. Label the box and stash it away in a closet.
Alternatives to Godparents
At one time, godparents would take over raising a child if the parents died. Today, godparents are more of a religious support system. There’s no reason to call them godparents. Humanists call these people “guideparents.” Some Unitarian churches call them Anam Cáirde, which means soul friends. You could refer to the person or persons you choose as a mentor or as an honorary aunt and uncle. The title itself isn’t as important as the relationship.
Create a Joyous Occasion
A baptism isn’t a spectacle. It’s a meaningful ritual to welcome the baby. If you want to hold a non-religious alternative, you can still celebrate your child’s entrance into your life with a small party that has meaning for your family. Don’t think about going over the top. Think about how to personalize your ceremony for your child and your support system. Make the ceremony about the child instead of any religion. Bring meaning to your child’s birth by choosing the elements that have value for you and your family.
Whether you had a huge, lavish affair or a smaller, more understated gathering, your wedding was a special day. You tied the knot with the love of your life surrounded by your closest friends and family. Your heart is overflowing with love and excitement about the journey ahead, but you’re also brimming with gratitude. Between wedding participants, guests, gift-givers, well-wishers and even professionals, other people helped to make the day one to cherish. Here’s what you should know about expressing your gratitude to others.
Develop a Plan
When you consider all the people to thank, it can be overwhelming to address everyone. You may be tempted to send an e-mail or a text message to friends, but a thoughtfully written note, thank you card or some other token of appreciation is usually best. Crack open an Excel spreadsheet to make a list of everyone you want to acknowledge. You can organize your lists according to the various parts that people played. A handwritten note to gift-givers might be one approach, while you also include a small gift to the people who were in the wedding party or offered services. Coming up with a plan is the best way to make sure that you don’t forget anyone.
Thank Thee Right Away
Many couples follow up a wedding immediately with a honeymoon that keeps them from working on writing thank you notes. As soon as you are back home, you should get started immediately. Start with your wedding party and anyone who played a role in the planning, marriage ceremony, reception and pre-wedding events, such as a stag-and-doe or engagement party. Proceed with those who sent gifts ahead of and on the big day. You may continue to receive presents in the following months. Make a habit of immediately preparing a thank you note upon receipt of future gifts.
Several To Thank, Don’t Go It Alone
It took two to tango, or in this case, get married. Divide up the work between you and your spouse. Consider splitting the work down the middle or divvying up the task based on your strengths. If you’re the one who has the words to say, take care of the notes and let your partner be responsible for stuffing, stamping and sealing envelopes. Gratitude is something that comes from both of you, so it should be a group thing when it’s time to give thanks.
Personalize Your Note
When writing notes, it’s important to tailor them to the recipients. Be specific about the role they played or the gift they gave when you’re handwriting (yes, handwriting) your note. For gift-givers, consider taking a picture of their present so that you can talk specifically about their contribution and how much the two of you appreciate them, their thoughtfulness and their generosity. If some sent money or gift cards, be sure to mention the amount. No gift is too small to acknowledge!
Develop Templates
Coming up with an individual note for everyone who supported you may not be the best use of your time, energy and creativity. It’s ok to use a template or outline based on the people you’re thanking:
Wedding party: Thank them for supporting the two of you on the big day and acknowledge the time, energy and resources that they invested.
Ceremony participants: Tell them how special it was that they lent their talents in making the ceremony special.
Guests: Mention how much their presence and love honored you and your spouse.
Gift-givers: Acknowledge the gift they gave. Be sure to mention details about the present, including its benefit to your lives moving forward. In the case of gifts from couples and families, make it a point to mention everyone involved.
Expressing gratitude to all the people who helped make your nuptials can be a daunting task. It’s important to be organized, intentional and thorough when you’re showing appreciation. Tailored, handwritten notes or cards are always preferable to digital communications such as emails or texts.
Recognizing Old and Creating New Canadian Wedding Traditions
Weddings are one of the most fascinating cultural events for people all around the world. Every religion, country, and ethnic group has distinct traditions associated with weddings. Some wedding traditions require the pomp and circumstance of an ordained minister that has spent years learning theology and who is familiar with a specific sacred text. Other traditions are newly made by couples who are ready to make the world their own. Canadian wedding traditions are similar to many of those in Western culture.
A Typical Canadian Wedding
It is a little silly to label any one specific wedding style as typical. In the past, religion has dictated what is important in a wedding ceremony and what is not. A large and historic church, such as the Catholic Church, has specific ceremonies that accompany a wedding. In fact, they have important ceremonies for many things. One such holy rite was held on December 8th of 2013 as the Notre–DamedeQuebecBasilica received holy bronze doors that were to be opened after a priest knocked three times. Once the ceremony ends, the doors are sealed for at least 25 years, if not longer.
Non-Denominational Traditions
Even as children, many young women dream of their wedding day and once engaged, they excitedly plan every detail. Canadians host what is known as a TrousseauTea. Although not a particularly common practice, sewing a trousseau was very important to English women and some other European countries for many hundreds of years. Since cloth was precious, and a woman wanted to be able to bring lily while linens with her to her marriage, a girl would begin saving sheets, dresses, table cloths, etc., for her marriage. Now, instead of sewing bed sheets, Canadians prefer to host a luncheon or dinner for friends that cannot make it to the wedding ceremony. This special Tea could be described as making good memories with which to enter a marriage instead of linens. This is a Canadian wedding tradition that does not belong solely to any one religious denomination.
Saying Special Vows
A very common practice among married couples in Canada and around the world is writing their own vows before their wedding ceremonies. These vows can be anything a couple would like to promise one another. Ceremonies that contain personalized vows are able to be overseen by anyone who is ordained to perform weddings. There need not be any association with religion if the couple does not wish it. One of the most freeing options for any soon-to-be wed couple is the possibility of creating their own Canadian wedding traditions. Women and men are often excited to begin new lives starting with matrimony, and what better way is there than to start than with brand new traditions that can be passed on to their own children.
