Christening is an important stage in the life of a baby, because from this day he renounces a sinful life, and is subsequently reborn in spiritual life. Baptism involves the cleansing of the baby from original sin, which is caused by his birth. The sacrament of baptism is performed only once in a person’s life. Surely the baby's parents and his godparents are concerned about the question of how to dress for a christening. This is what we will talk about.
How should women dress for christenings?
The church dress code is very different from the styles we use in everyday life . If you have never attended a christening before or rarely enter a church, the following recommendations and rules will help you dress appropriately.
Despite the fact that christening is a holiday celebrated in the Orthodox and Christian churches, clothing at this event becomes of great importance, since it should correspond to that very bright day when the baby joins the spiritual life. You can’t stand out with your appearance, but your attitude should be positive. You should avoid blouses with short sleeves, short skirts, tops and jeans. Such clothes do not in any way correspond to church canons. Trousers of any kind are not acceptable.
- A discreet dress. The godmother and natural mother of the child should not differ in their appearance. Simple fabrics and neutral colors are welcome. Since we are talking about the festive atmosphere that will fill the christening, you need to wear a dress in light colors - white, blue, soft pink, peach, cream, apricot shades. The dress may have patterns, but they should be simple and discreet. The length of the dress should be below the knee. Floor length is welcome.
- Sleeves of a dress or blouse . As an alternative to a dress, you can wear a blouse and a skirt. The sleeves of a blouse or dress should be long. The blouse should have a simple cut. Necklines and deep cutouts, tight-fitting styles that fit tightly to the figure are not acceptable. The blouse matches the color of the skirt or can be a couple of shades lighter. When choosing a blouse, it should not hinder movements, especially for the godmother’s blouse - after all, the difficult task of calming the baby during the ceremony and holding him in her arms falls on her shoulders.
- Shoes. Must be closed, at low speed. It can be dark or matched to the main color scheme of the outfit. No heels or platforms. Shoes that are not very high are, of course, acceptable, but it is still better to avoid them. It is better to wear simple closed shoes.
- Makeup. Naturally, on such a day any woman will want to look her best, but the church does not accept bright makeup and frilly outfits. Natural makeup is preferable - a little powder and a little blush, neat, even eyebrows, not flashy eyelashes. You can apply gloss to your lips, but avoid lipstick. When tinting your lips, keep in mind that the priest will ask you to kiss the cross, which means that if you apply lip gloss, it should be barely noticeable and long-lasting.
- Handkerchief. The head should be covered with a scarf. Naturally, you should not do voluminous hairstyles - just gather your hair into a bun or ponytail and braid it. You can have your own scarf in the color scheme of the chosen outfit, or take a scarf from the church.
- Cross. Godmothers and birthmothers, and in principle everyone who enters the church, must wear a pectoral cross, consecrated in the church. You can take your own cross or purchase one at the church.
Have you been offered to become a godmother? Instructions for you. What should a godmother do?
Author of the article Ekaterina Morozova Reading time: 14 minutes AA Have you been chosen as a godmother? This is a great honor and a great responsibility. The responsibilities of the godmother are not limited only to the sacrament of baptism and congratulating the godson on the holidays - they will continue throughout life. What are these responsibilities? What do you need to know about the sacrament of baptism? What to buy? How to prepare? Contents of the article: Baptism. The essence of the rite Preparing godparents for the baptismal rite Responsibilities of the godmother Features of the baptismal rite How does the sacrament of baptism take place? Requirements for a godmother at a christening. Appearance of a godmother at a christening. What do you buy for a christening? After the baptism ceremony
Baptism - the essence and meaning of the rite of baptism
The rite of baptism is a Sacrament in which the believer dies to a sinful carnal life in order to be reborn by the Holy Spirit into spiritual life. Baptism is the cleansing of a person from original sin , which is communicated to him through his birth. Just as a person is born only once, and the Sacrament is performed only once in a person’s life.
How godparents prepare for the baptism ceremony
You should prepare for the Sacrament of Baptism in advance. Two or three days before the ceremony, future godparents must repent of their earthly sins and receive communion. Directly on the day of baptism, it is forbidden to have sex and eat food . When a girl is baptized, the godmother will have to read the “Creed” prayer ; when a boy is baptized, it will be read by the godfather .
Responsibilities of a godmother. What should a godmother do?
A child cannot choose his godmother himself; his parents make this choice for him. The exception is the older age of the child. The choice is usually determined by the closeness of the future godmother to the family , a warm attitude towards the child, and the principles of morality that the godmother adheres to. What are the responsibilities of a godmother ? The godmother guarantees for the newly baptized child before the Lord. Responsible for the spiritual education of the child. Takes part in the life and upbringing of the child on an equal basis with biological parents. Takes care of the child in a situation where something happens to the biological parents (the godmother can become the guardian in the event of the death of the parents). The godmother is a spiritual mentor for her godson and an example of the Christian lifestyle. A godmother should: Pray for her godson and be a loving and caring godmother. Attend church with a child if his parents do not have such an opportunity due to illness or absence. Remember your responsibilities on religious holidays, ordinary holidays and weekdays. Take problems in your godson's life seriously and support him through difficult stages of life . Be interested in and promote the spiritual growth of the child . Serve as an example of godly life for the godson.
Features of the baptism ritual
The child's biological mother is prohibited from attending the baptism. A young mother is considered “unclean” after giving birth, and cannot be in the temple until the cleansing prayer, which is read by the priest on the fortieth day after birth. Therefore, it is the godmother who holds the baby in her arms . Including undressing and dressing, calming down, etc. In many churches it is customary to collect a donation . But even in the absence of funds, they cannot refuse to perform the baptismal ceremony. Baptism in the temple is not a mandatory rule. You can invite a priest home if the baby is sick. After recovery, he should be brought to church for churching. If the baby’s name is present in the Saints, then it remains unchanged at Baptism. In other cases, the child is given the name of the Saint on whose day the ceremony is performed. Read: How to choose the right name for a newborn baby? Spouses, as well as the biological parents of the child, cannot become godparents, because the Sacrament of Baptism presupposes the emergence of spiritual relationships between godparents. Considering that carnal relationships between spiritual relatives are not allowed, marriages between, for example, a godfather and the godson’s mother are also prohibited.
How is the sacrament of child baptism performed?
The Baptism ceremony lasts about an hour . It consists of the Annunciation (reading special prayers over the child), his renunciation of Satan and union with Christ, as well as the confession of the Orthodox faith. The godparents say the appropriate words for the baby. At the end of the announcement, the sequence of Baptism begins - immersing the child in the font (three times) and pronouncing traditional words. The godmother (if the newly baptized person is a girl) takes a towel and receives the godson from the font . The baby is dressed in white clothes and a cross is placed on him . Next, Confirmation is performed , after which the godparents and the priest walk around the font with the baby (three times) - as a sign of spiritual joy from uniting with Christ for eternal life. The myrrh is washed from the baby's body by the priest using a special sponge moistened with holy water. Then the baby's hair is cut on four sides , which is folded onto a wax cake and lowered onto it into the font (a symbol of submission to God and sacrifice in gratitude for the beginning of spiritual life). Prayers are said for the newly baptized person and his godparents, followed by churching . The priest carries the baby around the temple ; if it is a boy, he is brought into the altar and then given to his parents. After baptism - communion .
Requirements for a godmother at a christening
The most important requirement for godparents is to be baptized Orthodox , who live according to Christian laws. After the ceremony, godparents must promote the spiritual growth of the child and pray for him. If the future godmother has not yet been baptized, then she should be baptized first , and only then the baby. Biological parents may be completely unbaptized or profess a different faith. The godmother must be aware of her responsibility for raising the child. Therefore, it is welcomed when relatives are chosen as godparents - family ties are broken less often than friendly ones. The godfather can attend the girl’s baptism in absentia, the godmother - only in person . Her duties include receiving the girl from the font. Godparents should not forget about the day of baptism . On the day of the Godson's Guardian Angel, you should go to church every year, light a candle and thank God for everything.
What should a godmother wear? Appearance of the godmother at the christening.
The modern church is more loyal to many things, but taking into account its traditions is certainly recommended. Basic requirements for a godmother during baptism: Godparents must have crosses (consecrated in the church) on their bodies. It is unacceptable to come to baptism in trousers. You should wear a dress that will hide your shoulders and legs below the knee. The godmother must have a scarf . High heels are unnecessary. The baby will have to be held in your arms for a long time. Flashy makeup and provocative clothing are prohibited.
What do godparents buy for baptism?
White christening shirt (dress). It can be simple or with embroidery - it all depends on the choice of the godparents. The shirt (and everything else) can be purchased directly from the church. At baptism, the baby’s old clothes are removed as a sign that he appears clean before the Lord, and the baptismal shirt is put on after the ceremony. Traditionally, this shirt should be worn for eight days, after which it is removed and stored for life. Of course, you cannot baptize another baby in it. Pectoral cross with the image of a crucifixion. They buy it directly from the church, already consecrated. It doesn’t matter - gold, silver or simple, on a string. After baptism, many people remove the crosses from their children so that they do not accidentally harm themselves. According to church canons, the cross should not be removed. Therefore, it is better to choose a light cross and a rope (ribbon) so that the baby is comfortable. A towel in which the baby is wrapped after the Sacrament of Baptism. It is not washed after the ceremony and is stored as carefully as a shirt. Cap (kerchief). The best gift from godparents would be a cross, icon or silver spoon . Also for the baptism ceremony you will need: Baby blanket . For comfortable swaddling of the baby in the baptismal room and warming the baby after the baptismal bath. A small bag in which you can put a lock of the baby’s hair, cut by a priest. You can keep it with your shirt and towel. It is advisable to make sure in advance that the items are suitable for the baby.
After the baptism ceremony
So, the baby was baptized. You have become a godmother. Of course, according to tradition, this day is a holiday . It can be celebrated in a warm family circle or crowded. But it is worth remembering that christening is, first of all, a celebration of the spiritual birth of a baby. You should prepare for it in advance and thoroughly, thinking through every detail. After all, the day of your spiritual birth , which you will now celebrate every year, is much more important than the day of your physical birth. Author of the article Ekaterina Morozova Mother of many children, editor of the “Children” section in Colady magazine Share with friends and rate the article: ( 10 ratings, average: 4.80 out of 5) Loading... Join us on the Yandex.Zen channel.
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How to dress a baby for christening?
During the baptism ceremony, the baby’s limbs are exposed, and therefore the outfit should be loose. A girl can wear a loose dress, and a boy can wear an equally loose shirt and trousers or shorts. Then the newborn baby is dressed in a white diaper donated by the godmother or in a baptismal shirt - depending on the traditions of the church in which the baptism ceremony takes place.
Do you need a cake for a girl's christening?
The presence or absence of a cake at the baby’s christening depends only on the personal wishes of the family. The Church does not forbid the celebration of the sacrament after it has taken place. There is nothing wrong with celebrating such a significant event with your loved ones.
However, it is important to remember that the ritual does not cancel fasting, and therefore it is necessary to take this into account. Perhaps you should not schedule the sacrament for the most strict periods of fasting, so as not to have to postpone the celebration indefinitely.
It is best if the cake is prepared by the girl’s mother or grandmother, who will make it with love. Of course, the baby will not be able to appreciate the culinary abilities of his family, but those invited will enjoy the treat with pleasure.
How to dress for a christening for a child under seven years old?
If it is necessary to baptize a child who is over a year old, he can be dressed for christening as follows.
- Handkerchief. Girls do not have to wear it until their period arrives, or until they are seven years old. According to church canons, a child under seven years of age is considered an infant. However, in order not to embarrass church grandmothers and other guardians of church order, you can wear a scarf. Thus, you will once again be on the safe side, since each church has its own rules, which they may not always tell you about.
- Dress. It should have long sleeves, be discreet, and made of simple material. In the cold season, you should wear warm tights or panties. If the baptism takes place in the summer, a long dress is still more convenient. If the child spins in his arms, such a dress will not confuse anyone or cause discomfort. Thin straps, slits and cutouts are not appropriate even for a child.
- White clothes . Gets dressed after the bath. White color symbolizes purity, so clothes of this color should be worn after the ceremony. Don't forget about the baptismal set - towel, cap, shirt.
Baptism age
The Orthodox tradition presupposes the baptism of the baby at a very early age, since after this sacrament the child can acquire the grace of the Lord, and he finds an intercessor angel. Most often, the eighth or fortieth day from birth is chosen for this purpose. If the baby was born very sickly, then baptism is allowed even in the first day of life. Because it is believed that this will help protect the baby and give her Divine protection.
It is recommended that the girl be baptized on the fortieth day, since until this moment the woman in labor cannot be allowed to participate in church events. The clergyman must read a cleansing prayer over the mother before she takes part in the ritual.
In addition, newborn children tolerate contact with unfamiliar people much better. This applies not only to the godmother, who will have to hold the girl in her arms throughout the entire ceremony, but also to the priest, who is completely unfamiliar to the baby. If the girl will be immersed in the font, then it is better to carry out baptism in the first months of life, while the intrauterine reflexes have not yet completely died out.
What should godparents buy for a christening?
To prepare for the christening of a child, it is not enough just to dress correctly. Godparents are required to purchase certain things that they give to the baby as a gift.
- White shirt or dress for christening. In the store you can purchase a simple version or a model with embroidery. Also, such goods are sold directly at the church. If you buy a shirt in a store, do not forget to wash and iron it before baptism, so that you can put it on your baby already clean. A baptismal shirt or chemise is worn after the baptism ceremony as a symbol that the child appears pure before God. According to tradition, this shirt should be worn for eight days. After this period, the shirt is removed and stored for life. If the child begins to get sick, the baptismal shirt can be placed under the pillow. You cannot baptize another baby using the same shirt.
- Pectoral cross. There should be a crucifix on it. This baptism should be purchased in advance or directly on the day of baptism. The cross must be consecrated. According to tradition, it is believed that the cross cannot be removed after baptism. Therefore, it is better to choose a small cross and a rope that would be difficult for the baby to remove from himself.
- Towel. Some churches wrap the baby in it after baptism, while other churches use a white swaddle. Whether it is a diaper or a towel, this item should be stored together with the baby’s baptismal shirt and not washed after the baptism ceremony.
- Scarf or cap. It can be purchased separately or purchased as a set with a baptismal set, which will include a cap or scarf.
The cost of a baptismal set, which includes a towel, cap, diaper and shirt, can range from 700-1500 rubles.
Memo: pectoral crosses for godparents and babies
- Godparents themselves must be baptized according to Christian laws. If they have not gone through this ritual in advance, then they are required to do this before the baby’s baptism, whereas this is not necessary for the child’s mother and father.
- A cross with a crucifix is an integral attribute of every baptized person who attends church. And godfathers and mothers must wear it. And not as a simple decoration for show, but directly on the body.
- This body symbol of faith for a baby can be selected in advance or purchased on the day of the sacrament of baptism. The main thing is that it be sanctified.
- The clergy do not recommend removing the cross after being baptized.
- A small cross is suitable for a child. The optimal length of the lace is slightly less than the circumference of the head, so that the baby cannot remove it himself.
The baptism ceremony of a baby is a bright holiday for the whole family. Dress modestly but tastefully to look stylish and beautiful. Then nothing can ruin your mood, and you and your loved ones will remember this joyful day for the rest of your life.
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What else will you need for a child’s christening?
To be absolutely prepared for your christening, take the following items with you:
- Flannelette blanket. After the child is undressed and dipped into the bath, he may feel cold. The blanket will keep your baby warm and calm.
- Small package. It will be possible to place a lock of the baby’s hair in it, which will be cut by the priest. A lock of hair should be stored together with the baptismal shirt, diaper or towel.
Hats, booties and accessories for christenings
The christening outfit will be well complemented by cozy knitted booties, openwork socks, soft cotton shoes with beads, flowers, rhinestones, and embroidery. Instead of a headscarf, a girl can buy a beautiful openwork headband for a photo shoot. Sets for boys do not always include a head set, but the little ones can separately choose a cap with ties or a hat. All of our christening supplies and accessories are harmoniously combined with clothes and sets, so choosing all the elements in the same style will not be difficult.
How should godparents prepare for the baptismal ceremony?
In addition to clothes and gifts for the baby, godparents need to prepare for the baptism ceremony. What exactly should you do or not do?
- Take communion and repent of mortal sins a couple of days before the christening ceremony.
- Do not eat or have sexual intercourse on the day of baptism.
- If godparents baptize a boy, then the godfather will have to read the “Creed” prayer. If parents participate in the baptism of a girl, this prayer will need to be read to the godfather.
Christening dresses and chemises for girls
Our size range of dresses and shirts for girls includes models from 0 to 12 years. Teenage girls can choose an outfit in the women's christening clothing section.
For the little ones, they often purchase a comfortable “Anna” vest made of cotton-muslin or flannel to choose from. The swing front is secured with two pairs of ties. The decor includes thin openwork cotton lace and embroidery in the form of an Orthodox cross entwined with lily flowers. The baby vest comes complete with a cap and a lace diaper with an embroidered hood corner.
The traditional model is the “Classic” shirt. Decorated with white lace and an embroidered equal-sided white cross. To order, it can be supplemented with embroidery of a name and christening date. The shirt is made from your choice of soft cotton muslin or cozy flannel.
An elegant holiday option is the “Bereginya” dress made of jacquard satin with a small pattern. The top is decorated with a cross-stitched yoke entwined with curly flowers and puffed sleeves. The embroidery on the inside is covered with a soft lining. The very bottom of the dress is complemented by a fluffy flounce that holds its shape well and does not interfere with free walking. It comes as a set with a beret and a diaper/towel.
What are the responsibilities of a godmother?
Before you agree to become a godmother, you need to understand whether you can fulfill these obligations, which are presented below.
- Vouch for your child before the Lord
- Be responsible for the spiritual upbringing of the child
- Take part in the upbringing and life of the child on an equal basis with his biological parents
- To take care of the child in the event that the biological parents can no longer fulfill their obligations to the child. The godmother can become the baby's full guardian.
- Pray for the godchild, be a caring and loving godmother
- Come to church with your child if the parents cannot do this
- Be an example for a child.
