Christening is the first important sacrament in the life of any Christian. Most Orthodox Christians rush to perform this ritual at a young age in order to give the baby Divine protection almost from birth. However, there are no rules regarding the age at which a person is baptized.
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A child can be accepted into the fold of the church in infancy, or he can come to this important decision on his own already at a conscious age. This sacrament has roots that go deep into the history of religion. And although many rules have undergone changes, the main canons of the ritual have still been preserved. The christening of a boy has its own characteristics, which are important for parents to take into account when preparing.
Baby boy christening set
Selecting the necessary items for carrying out the sacrament is an important preparatory stage. Not a single baptismal ceremony is complete without these attributes, regardless of which church it takes place in. It is important to understand that there are certain rules for the christening of a boy.
Christenings cannot take place without:
- kryzhma - the main element of the ritual, which is a white diaper with an embroidered cross, often openwork, sometimes you can find variations with the initials of the baby;
- christening shirt - if the parents wish, it can be openwork, but even the simplest one will do;
- blankets or large white towels.
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Sometimes the set is also complemented by a cap and socks. However, this is not mandatory. All these attributes are family heirlooms and are kept in the family for many years. Therefore, they are strictly not recommended for use in everyday life. Many mothers noted the healing properties of kryzhma. If you cover your baby with a baptismal cloth during illness, the healing process will go much faster.
Some parents believe in the belief that in order for sons born in the same family to be friendly with each other, the younger child must be baptized in the shirt of the older one. Whether this method actually works or is simply self-hypnosis, each believer must decide for himself. However, there will definitely be no harm from this.
What to consider when choosing baptismal clothing
Our size chart for babies up to one year old has the following gradation:
- 0-3 months – height 62 cm;
- 3-6 months – height 68 cm;
- 6-12 months – height 74-80 cm – for models with full-length sleeves;
- 6-9 months (height 74 cm) and 9-12 months (height 80 cm) - for models with cut-off sleeves.
- Swinging models are best purchased for babies under 6 months; they are easy to put on children who are lying down. If the child is already walking, then you should give preference to baptismal shirts that are put on over the head - they will definitely not come unbuttoned or untied as the baby moves.
- For newborns, a baptismal cap (diaper or towel) with a hood corner is more suitable, which will prevent the towel from slipping off a wet head and absorb moisture faster.
- In the cold season, the little ones need to purchase insulated versions of baptismal clothing - models made of soft, cozy flannel or include a towel made of fluffy terry in the set.
- Booties and knitted socks will provide additional comfort for babies. Girls can choose soft cotton shoes that go well with our elegant dresses.
Clothes for christening of girls up to one year old
A set of baptismal clothes for girls often includes a headdress, although it is not mandatory for infants. Parents, at their discretion, can buy a cap, a lace scarf or an openwork headband. This accessory will complement the baby’s image well in photographs.
When choosing a dress for a newborn's christening, you should pay attention to the fabric. If this product is made of satin or other beautiful, but unnatural fabric, then it must have a cotton lining on the inside.
Girls' clothes don't have to be pure white. Soft milky shades are allowed. Embroidery can be done in pastel pink, gold, and silver colors. Patterns are usually Orthodox crosses, angels, doves, lilies, foliage patterns, ears of wheat. The lace contains floral or wavy patterns.
Christening clothes for boys up to one year old
For boys under one year old, undershirts and shirts are chosen. There are also christening suits with pants - they look good on children who are already walking. Decorative trim on clothes for boys includes lace inserts with a geometric pattern and Orthodox embroidery, made in blue, green, gold, silver or white. Mostly crosses, angels, climbing vines, and floral patterns are depicted.
Boy's christening, rules for a godmother
Contrary to popular belief, not all Orthodox believers can become godparents. There are a number of laws, the honest implementation of which determines the entire future fate of the baby.
Godmother:
- cannot be pregnant;
- must be completely psychologically healthy;
- confess immediately before the ceremony;
- cannot be married to the godfather, and also not be closely related to him;
- must not be a novice in the church, nor a nun;
- can only be an adult.
At the same time, the godmother buys a kryzhma, a christening set, and also a scarf for the priest made of silk fabric for the christening.
Who can't be the boy's godparents?
Do not confuse these prohibitions with superstitions, of which there are a great many today. The rules and prohibitions come from the church itself, so they must be observed.
So, check them out:
· people leading an immoral lifestyle;
· persons who have not reached the age of majority (they are considered to have insufficiently high spiritual potential);
· mentally ill or mentally unstable people;
· incompetent persons;
· a married couple or young people planning to get married;
· unbaptized people or representatives of another faith;
· the parents of the baby themselves;
· complete strangers.
One more prohibition should be remembered: if the future godmother is going through “critical days,” then you cannot enter the church during this period. Postpone this ritual for a few days.
Boy's christening, rules for the godfather
Typically, the church is more loyal to male representatives, however, in the case of christenings, certain limits are present in this case.
The godfather must:
- go through the confession procedure on the eve of the sacrament;
- not be a close relative of the godmother and not be her husband;
- be criminally clear and mentally healthy;
- have no relation to clergy and do not undergo obedience in the church;
- be of age.
The godfather undertakes to purchase a cross for the baby, bear all the financial costs of the ceremony, and also buy a gift for the baby.
Baptism of a child: what the godmother and father need to know
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What is needed for the baptism of a girl child: list
- Pre-purchased cross.
- Kryzhma.
- A smart white shirt or dress.
- Water bottle and pacifier.
- Spare clothes for the trip home (depending on the weather).
- A small bag for the cut ends of hair.
- Two towels, one will remain in the church.
- White or black bread.
- Cap or headscarf.
- Icon for the child's name.
- Church candles.
- Parents' passports and baby's birth certificate.
What is needed for the baptism of a boy child: list
- Pectoral cross for a baby.
- Kryzhma.
- White shirt or vest.
- Spare clothes.
- Water bottle and pacifier.
- Icon of a saint named boy.
- Bag for cut hair.
- Church candles.
- Mom's and dad's passports, as well as birth certificate.
- Two towels.
Responsibilities of godparents at the baptism of a boy
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The issue of baptism must be treated very responsibly, since godparents are not just formal persons, but must perform a number of duties after the ceremony itself.
First of all, it is important to understand that the godmother and godfather should act as a good example for inheritance. Therefore, people leading an unhealthy and destructive lifestyle cannot teach their godson good habits. Parents representing the child in the face of God should pray regularly for their godson. The father must teach the boy God's commandments and guide him on the true path. Both godparents must be present at the baby's first communion.
Even if, by the will of fate, godparents are forced to live away from the baby, they should not lose touch with him. If the child’s biological parents die or become seriously ill, then all responsibility falls on the shoulders of the godparents.
First of all, the godmother and godfather are responsible for the spiritual education of the baby. A child should always know that there are people next to him who will support him in any situation, advise and support him.
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The extent to which a person can fulfill the responsibilities of a parent in the face of God largely depends on the spiritual development of the individual himself. This process must be approached with the utmost responsibility. After all, only a person who is well versed in spiritual matters can teach a child the correct principles of life.
It is godparents who can instill in a child the love of God, give him confidence in the future and help him acquire the Lord's grace.
Mom and Dad
The parents of a child under seven years of age (infant) must give their consent to baptism, since they are the ones who will be involved in the spiritual education of the child and his inclusion in the church. A child over 7 years old (adolescent) makes this decision himself.
The presence of the mother at the baptism depends on how many days have passed since the birth. Only after 40 days and after reading a cleansing prayer is the young mother allowed to attend the ceremony.
When, after baptism, the priest conducts churching: he brings and places the baby to the icons of the Savior and the Mother of God (the boys are first brought into the altar), then after that he is given either to the godparents or to the father and mother present.
The first communion may be scheduled for some other day, for example, in a week. Parents or mother will need to come with the child to the morning prayer service so that the priest will give the baby communion. Children need to receive Holy Communion as often as possible, preferably every week.
Boy baptism names
The choice of name plays a huge role in the baptism process. Often quite serious disagreements arise on this issue, which are quite difficult to bring to a common denominator. Therefore, it is better to turn to a clergyman, who will always advise what to do in a given situation.
Most often you have to choose a name for christening when the secular name is not Orthodox. If it is present in the church canon, then it is not at all necessary to change it. There is still a practice of giving different church and secular names. According to many parishioners, this protects the baby from the evil eye or other energetic influences. However, the church does not recognize the possibility of such outside influences. Therefore, the choice of name largely depends on the personal wishes of the parents. Often a name is chosen according to Christmastide, naming the child after a saint revered on the day or period of birth.
- Is it possible to be a godmother several times?
- Responsibilities of a godmother;
- On what days is it better to baptize a child?
Boy's church name
The sacrament of baptism for a boy and a girl is not significantly different, but there are still minor differences.
For a long time, people have adhered to the following signs and rules when baptizing:
1. You cannot wipe baptismal water from your face;
2. It’s a good omen if the baby cries during the ceremony;
3. It is advisable to purchase a white christening outfit;
4. A baby wearing a hat is baptized;
5. If you can hear the ringing of bells before the christening, the baby will be happy.
The godfather (church) name of the baby is chosen to be consonant with what the parents named the child. This name is not subsequently disclosed to anyone. It is believed that it protects the child from the evil eye and damage.
According to tradition, the newborn is named in honor of the saint, whose memory is celebrated on the day the child is born. This name should be used to address the saint for intercession before the Lord.
Should I baptize in winter?
Christenings in winter are carried out in the same order as in summer. The only thing that parents may care about is the temperature of the water in the font . However, church ministers strictly ensure that the temperature is comfortable for the baby. Some churches even have special heating systems for such events.
The only important note is that you should prefer small temples, since heating them is much easier. And in order to avoid unexpected drafts, you can place one of your relatives on the church doors, who will warn random parishioners that a baby is being baptized in the room and it may be necessary to wait a little. Most Christians will understand such a statement and will not open the temple door immediately.
Features of our baby christening clothes
We sew baptismal clothes according to patterns that meet GOST standards, and when developing models we never forget about maximum comfort when dressing/undressing the little ones:
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All products are made exclusively from natural materials - various types of cotton fabrics, flannel and softened linen blends.
How much to pay? And why pay?
There is no official fee for performing sacraments and services in the temple, since commodity-money relations are not applicable to Divine laws. However, in modern realities, a donation to the temple for baptism is one of the important sources of income for a charitable institution. Temple servants need to pay for utilities and repair breakdowns, as well as pay the priest, who may have a large number of children.
Prices for temple services are quite arbitrary and are only voluntary donations. In a difficult financial situation, when the family has no money at all, the clergyman is obliged to perform the ceremony for free. The priest’s categorical refusal to help those in need is a direct reason for filing a complaint with the dean.
Grandmother and grandfather
Grandparents present at the baptism offer prayers and can help the godparents change the child’s clothes. Being one of the closest relatives, they take part in solving organizational issues. If desired, they can buy additional baptismal accessories, for example, a blanket, blanket, booties, socks, which will be needed during the sacrament and will also be useful to the child in the future.
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How to choose the right one
Baptism is considered a solemn event, so it should be celebrated in beautiful clothes that will emphasize the importance of the moment. When choosing a baptismal set, consider the age of the child, since the composition and appearance of the sets differ. What is suitable for a newborn will look inappropriate on a preschool child.
This is interesting
Sets up to 1 year include booties, and in sets from 1 to 3 years the diaper is replaced with a kryzhma trimmed with lace.
The composition and quality of the fabric are the main criteria when choosing. When buying in an online store, do not hesitate to ask for exact information about the product. When ordering in the VKontakte group, ask to send real photos without filters. Before placing an order, read customer reviews and study the seller’s website or page. Make sure he is honest. Purchasing in an offline store opens up more opportunities: you see the product with your own eyes with all its shortcomings, you can touch the fabric and read the ingredients. Only after this make a decision about purchasing it.
Those who are very responsible and serious about choosing clothes for baptism can purchase them in the workshop at the church. In such workshops, individual orders are accepted: you determine the fabric, color and finishing of the set yourself. Fortunately, the choice is great: from restrainedly simple to richly decorated. However, moderation must be observed in finishing. An embroidered cross, Orthodox ornament, ruffles and lace are quite appropriate. Leave drawings like bears and bunnies for everyday use.
There are also christening shirts for teenagers, but regular clothes can also be worn. It is important to follow some rules: no luxury and tuxedos.
DIY baptismal set
Creating something with your own hands is always wonderful, especially if it is for your son. Such a set will become not just a gift, but a manifestation of maternal love, tenderness and a kind of amulet. Any girl who knows how to sew at least a little can sew a shirt, finish the edges of the hem with a zigzag stitch and sew on ribbons with lace.
By creating a baptismal set with your own hands, you will definitely be confident in its quality and reliability.
The sacrament of baptism occurs only once in a lifetime, so you should not skimp on sets. After baptism, the shirt will be kept and reminded of this day. When purchasing, consider everything: fabric composition, color, finishing, age of the child and make purchases only in trusted online stores.
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