• namings

    A humanist naming ceremony, like other humanist ceremonies, will fit your exact requirements. It will reflect your hopes for, and your commitment to, your child. A naming can happen almost anywhere. It can be an intimate ceremony just for close family, or a large celebratory event. It can mark not only births, but adoptions, or step-parents making commitments to new step children. A humanist naming is tailor-made for you and your family.

    The coming of a new life into the world, or the coming of a new child into the family, is a hugely important event and one which is worth celebrating. Humanists believe that everyone has the privilege of shaping their own lives and those of others. So life should get off to the most positive start possible!

    What will happen in a humanist naming?

    A typical humanist naming is of course non-religious, and might include any or all of the following elements:

    • Parents and other family members stating their commitment to the child;
    • Individuals making a personal commitment as mentors and supporters to support the child as they grow;
    • The formal naming of the child, set in the context of what the name means and how it was chosen;
    • Guests welcoming the child to the world or the family;
    • Music and readings;
    • Symbolic acts – from the lighting of candles to the planting of a tree.

     What next?

    If you are interested in having me conduct your humanist naming ceremony, email me at felicity.harvest@humanistceremonies.org.uk

    If after an initial discussion you want to make a commitment to using me, we would set up a longer meeting.   Then I can find out more about you, and what kind of ceremony you want. I would then develop a script as the basis for making amendments and developing ideas, until it is just right

    And namings come in all shapes and sizes. Read this account of one I conducted on Zoom during the pandemic: https://humanism.org.uk/ceremonies/namings/blog/an-online-naming-ceremony-celebrated-with-bubbles/

    My charge for a naming ceremony is typically £300. Talk to me if that’s going to cause you problems, or if you have special circumstances. I mainly work in London, Kent, Sussex and Surrey – if you’re further afield I may have to charge more for travel.

     

  • The Humanist naming ceremony was the most perfect introduction of the baby to so many special friends and family members, and I was also very pleased that her father’s culture could also be included and have a small part to play. I thought your role was carried out to perfection, and I was very impressed by your eloquence and composure. It was truly the most memorable and touching occasion of its kind that I’ve ever experienced.

    Kathryn (guide-parent)

  • Thank you again for Natalie’s lovely ceremony, we thoroughly enjoyed it, and thought it was very special. We had a lot of compliments too!

    Jen and Chris

  • Just wanted to say a massive thank you to you for making yesterday so special. The ceremony was just lovely, we couldn’t have asked for any more. Everybody loved it and said how personal it was and how fantastic you were. I don’t think there was a dry eye! Thank you so much.

    Rebecca and Andrew (parents)

  • Felicity was the celebrant for our twins’ naming ceremony and she made it a wonderful event. I had no idea what to expect of a naming ceremony but Felicity calmly guided us through the process, teased out lots of little details from us and then put together a beautiful ceremony that amazed all of our guests with how perfect it was for our family. Thank you so much Felicity!

    Tanya and Steff (Mums)