Jun
1
What Is An LDS Baby Blessing?
June 1, 2010 | Tagged baby blessing, LDS baby blessing | 1 Comment
A baby blessing is an ordinance or sacred act performed by a man who holds the Melchizedek priesthood in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormon church). In most cases, the baby’s father performs the blessing as long as he holds the priesthood and is worthy to bless the baby. The purposes of a baby blessing are to name and bless the infant; a baby blessing is not a baptismal ceremony.
There are specific requirements for naming and blessing children. The father giving the blessing and any other invited priesthood holders (often family and friends) form a circle and hold the infant in the center. The father then gives the baby a name and blesses the child. Now the child is officially a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The name the baby is blessed with is the name he will be known by on the church records.
During the blessing, the father bestows certain blessings on the infant. Baby blessings are different for each child because the Holy Spirit directs the father on what to say. In general though, most babies are blessed with good health, a strong mind, good judgment, a strong testimony of the gospel, to be a good example to others, to be happy, to be obedient,to have righteous desires, to be baptized, to get married in the temple, to serve others, etc.
Generally, a baby is blessed within the first few months after being born. The baby wears white: girls in blessing dresses or blessing gowns and boys in blessing suits or blessing rompers. A baby blessing is a sacred and joyous event for the family and oftentimes extended family and friends will travel to be a part of the momentous occasion.
May
11
What Is A Christening?
May 11, 2010 | Tagged christening, christening gown, christenings | 1 Comment
Christening is a form of baptism that is performed by many Christian denominations. The main objective of a Christening is to welcome the newborn baby into the Christian community and to officially bestow a Christian name on the baby. Usually, an ordained member of the clergy performs the Christening.
The baptism portion of a Christening entails a small amount of holy water from the baptismal font being poured over the infant’s head. At this time the child enters the Christian faith and the infant’s parents and godparents vow to raise the child in that faith.
Another reason for a Christening is to establish a covenant between the family and the local faith community to provide an extended network of care and support for the infant that stays in place while the child grows up. As part of that covenant, the community promises to help the parents raise the child in the faith and teach that child Christian values and beliefs.
Giving the infant a Christian name, in addition to their legal name is also an important part of the Christening. The symbolism of a Christian name helps to affirm the recognition of the community of that name.
For the Christening the child usually wears white or ivory, to symbolize purity and innocence. Christening gowns or Christening outfits come in a variety of styles and in a wide range of fabrics. Pricing can range anywhere from $40 – $500.
Ultimately, a Christening is a special event for all families and having the right Christening gown or Christening outfit it the perfect way to add joy to this memorable occasion.
At Blessinggowns.com we have an enormous selection of Christening gowns, Christening outfits, and Christening accessories and gifts.