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Original poster

Fellow heathens - what did you do instead of "christening"?

24 replies

UnquietDad · 03/10/2007 13:24

Despite my mother's disapproval we didn't get ours christened. Had a party to welcome them into the world and loads of people came. I think they were grateful to be able to go straight for the food, drink and dancing bit and skip the boring church stuff.
What have other people done?

(Jeremy Vine talking about decline in godparenting now. Very annoying journo woman called Anna something is on.)

OP posts:
Tinker · 03/10/2007 13:27

Is it Anna Pasternak?

We did nothing for my 2.

MamaG · 03/10/2007 13:28

I did a small christening
just for the presents

tibsy · 03/10/2007 13:29

havent had either of ours christened, but i like the idea of having a celebration to welcome them to the world/family

Original poster
UnquietDad · 03/10/2007 13:29

Yes it was Pasternak.

She was varry pleased to have chosen godparents who had an immanse influence on the way her chaldren will be brought ap.

OP posts:
hana · 03/10/2007 13:31

nothing

Original poster
UnquietDad · 03/10/2007 13:32

Oh, and I'm a non-religious "godfather". Not being christened, I couldn't be one in the church ceremony (and I was relieved about that) but I was announced as such afterwards!

OP posts:
MyTwopenceworth · 03/10/2007 13:33

Nothing. Nothing at all.

Anyway, I thought baptism was to give you a 'rebirth' and cleanse you of your sins.

If I was God, I think I'd be a bit pissed off at the suggestion I sent babies down from heaven full of sin. And didn't Jesus die on the cross to free us from the whole 'sins of the fathers' thing?

Or am I missing the point?

coffincarrier · 03/10/2007 13:34

my friends had a naming ceremony, all rather lovely, got a few friends to say a few words/play music/read a poem etc.
the BHA can provide a celebrant (I am looking into training to be one of these) or gives some tips for doing it yourself
here

but we did nothing

SueBarooeeooeeooooo · 03/10/2007 13:43

Not a heathen, but didn't do anything either. We am baptists ya know.

HumptyDumptyWasPushed · 03/10/2007 13:56

Er... we had a bbq!

Hallgerda · 03/10/2007 15:19

Nothing.

moopymoo · 03/10/2007 15:21

did nothing. toyed with idea of naming ceremony or similar but it seemed a bit 'we want pressies' and we were too lazy anyway, hes 3 now might look a bit afterthoughty.

bigmouthstrikesagain · 03/10/2007 15:42

My dh is godfather to my nephew and he didn't attend the ceremony or 'owt. Dn attends a welsh school which is keen on its pupils being 'affirmed' (hope that is the right term!) - so dn chose to be at age of 12 - his parents decided not to object despite their discomfort.

Dh does love the Godfather films though so his inspiration for the role is definitely marlon brando

We have not opted for any kind of ceremony for our dc's - it is bizarre to me when people who never attend church get married in one and get their children christened.

claricebeansmum · 03/10/2007 15:42

Nothing

aDead · 03/10/2007 15:43

nothing. twice.

weeonion · 03/10/2007 16:22

we dont belive in fairy tales so we sill be doing nothing. i celebrate every day in my own ways that she is here.

giggly · 03/10/2007 23:41

We had a naming ceremony on dd 1st birthday so the pressie's were not an issue.Instead of godparents she has a donette who is very proud to be so named. We had it in the garden had loads to eat and even more to drink. My dd wore our family christening gown which was the highlight for me. Neither of us wanted the sham of going to church and pretending like so many others do.I am glad we we done it as we had such a special day.

Poledra · 03/10/2007 23:47

Nothing, twice - well, they were both born in the winter and the house isn't that big so didn't have a party. Children don't have godparents, but do have legal guardians named in our will - OK, seems a bit morbid, but I want to know they would be looked after if the worst happened [emoticon to signal slightly sheepish look]

ScottishMummy · 03/10/2007 23:50

humanist society - naming ceremonies
"Look at humanist naming ceremonies"

ScottishMummy · 03/10/2007 23:54

humanist society naming ceremony link
Look at humanist naming ceremonies"

several friends have - and they recommend it

sKerryMum · 03/10/2007 23:56

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

suenorth · 04/10/2007 00:02

We just had small parties for just us and 'godparents' (never have come up with a better name - one wants to be a fairy godmother) both times. We decided we'd have a big party for each when they're older (like 11/12). Mainly so we can embarrass them I think.

I'm both a heathen and christian godparent. Parents of my christian godchild know I'm not a believer and didn't have a problem with that so I just felt uncomfortable during the ceremony and said the words I had to. Slightly off the point I suppose, but I did feel like a hypocrit (is that spelt right? Too late.).

harrisey · 04/10/2007 17:03

We're not heathens. we're Baptists. We had a dedication. Not all Christians have christenings (or, more properly, baptisms)

Ripeberry · 07/10/2007 20:56

Nothing, it's up to my children if they want to be baptised when they are older.
Me and my brother were not baptised or christened either as my parents thought it was 'child abuse' as you can't complain about it when young.
You can choose when you're an adult. What god would send a baby or child to Hell just because they were not 'done'.
AB

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