This event is marked with a ceremony usually held in church. For the Catholics, children are brought to church wearing white, with his or her parents and godparents. The latter are chosen by the parents and have the duty to help raise the child to believe in the Church’s teachings as well as guide him or her as the child grows up. They have an important role in the ceremony and also in the child’s life. The child would then be placed near the baptismal font and water is poured over his or her forehead to signify his or her being cleanse of sin followed by the formal giving of the child’s name.

The actual christening is short and the family usually goes home or to a restaurant to celebrate the happy day. Some people have different faiths or religion and as such, are unaware of this ceremony. They wouldn’t know what to expect or do not know the significance of christening. It’s suggested that if you are inviting friends over to your child’s christening, tell them a bit about this tradition and its importance. Also, if you are inviting a person to be your child’s godparent, make sure that he or she is someone that the family knows closely. And if he or she is not of the Christian denomination, explain the tradition fully and apprise him of his role in your child’s upbringing.

On the other hand, if you are the invitee and only have a small knowledge of what you’re suppose to do, you should remember that it’s customary to give gifts to the child on this day. It’s not required but it would be nice to do so. Unlike birthday gifts, christening gifts should be timeless pieces, something that they can use when they’re older. Godparents would usually present the child with jewellery such as simple necklaces with cross pendants or earrings with the child’s birthstone. Some people go all out and give their godchildren pearl chokers or beautiful rings. jewellery is just an expression of this wonderful event in a kid’s life. It signifies longevity and a strong commitment from the godparents to their godchildren.

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