Any ideas for a non religious naming ceremony?

I am having a non religious naming ceremony for my little girl this weekend. Any ideas for things I can do to make it special. Do you know any non religious readings or music that are baby related. Something the supporting adults could do or say? I have thought of things like fireworks or maybe releasing ballons, perhaps planting a tree? Any other ideas would be much appreciated.

Any ideas for a non religious naming ceremony?
Really informative book called The Dead Good Book of Namings and Baby Welcoming Ceremonies Isbn 0 9527159 2 9





For my son we hired a room somewhere special to us, invited our friends, brought fresh well water to drink and some freshly pressed organic apple juice from a local community. People brought poems and speeches and my friend sang Your children are not your children, they are the sons and the daughters of lifes longing for itself, they come through you but they are not from you and though they are with you they do not belong to you, ..........based on the poem by Khalil Gilbrahd (not sure ive got the spelling right!). Everyone just milled around, chatting, the children ran riot and everyone fussed over the baby. We sat in a circle for anyone to say whatever they wanted to, which turned into a joke telling session by the children. We all brought food to share and toasted our son with the apple juice.
Reply:I am a Baby Naming celebrant specialising in naming ceremonies and naming days. My webpage is www.babynamings.com.au I can email you or anyone else a sample naming ceremony that has lots of suggestions for you. A great song for you to play is "A Little Ray of Sunshine" by Brian Cadd. It is nice to have a release of helium balloons at the end, or a lighting of a naming candle, or planting a tree - all are symbols of the great heights you hope your baby's life will reach. You can still appoint godparents for your child, if you like or call them mentors or life guides etc. Following is a good reading - I have others - you can email me at babynamings@yahoo.com.au





A CHILD LEARNS by Dorothy Law Nolte (can be read by family member, godparent or friend)


If a child lives with criticism


he learns to condemn.


If a child lives with hostility


he learns to fight.


If a child lives with ridicule


he learns to be shy.


If a child lives with shame


he learns to feel guilt


BUT,


If a child lives with tolerance


he learns to be patient.


If a child lives with encouragement


he learns confidence.


If a child lives with fairness


he learns justice.


If a child lives with security


he learns to have faith.


If a child lives with approval


he learns to like himself.


If a child lives with acceptance and friendship


he learns to find love in the world.





Lesley Kerl JP Celebrant of the Year Finalist 2006, 2005, 2004
Reply:Hi





What a lovely idea, alot of parents choose traditional ceromonies to please others and show there "doing the right thing" and you've done what you think is best.





Ideas.......


Get the older children and adults to write her a message in a special book, their thoughts and wishes for her future.





There are nice candles which can be personalised on ebay, with a photo of your daughter and a special message, they do small ones which you can order in bulk or larger ones for special family members. This can be a thank you for others helping to arrage the celebration, or just a "party favour" the website is www.ebay.co.uk item no 140146942469 can be changed with any message you wish.





Get a polaroid camera and take photos of the kids and get them to put their names or message on the white part at the bottom and keep as keepsakes for your daughter when she's older.....younger ones can doodle on the back of the photo.





Any more ideas just ask.......got loads!
Reply:Child naming is ceremonial in it self, u only contradict yourself in your request, you are a believer who doesn't know oneself.





If u choose what u decide on eg. planting a tree - u will keep watering that tree to see that it has life to preserve your values "the baby girl" then your region is African Heritage oriented. So whether u are the so called white race, your African origin is strong hold within u.
Reply:i think this is a good idea i wanted to do something like this as it is a way of introducing your new member of your family to everyone.





i think by the fact that everyone is together and celebrating your child is special enough.





if you try to hard it could all go wrong my best plans are keep them simple and then everyone doesn't worry about the protocol.





let off ballons or fire works but just have fun and dont forget to take loads of pictures.