Christenings

A child does not have to be Christened before their name is legal or 'proper'. This is done when their name is registered on the birth certificate.

You are allowed to be married if you are not Christened. In England everyone has the legal right to be married in the parish church of the parish in which they live (and in the district Register Office of their district), and is irrespective of any religious views and any christening ceremonies.

There are basically three sorts of Christening services:

1 - Services of Blessing, which are based what Jesus did when children were brought to him and are about receiving God’s unconditional love.

2 - Services of Dedication, which are about the parents making promises about the upbringing of their children.

3 - Services of Infant Baptism (Baptism and Christening are closely linked), which declare the child to be a follower of Jesus Christ

Godparents were originally introduced into the ceremony to answer any questions for a baby, who obviously cannot answer them themselves. They also promised to bring the child up in the Christian faith. The modern Godparent isn't expected to take such a proactive part, more of a supporting friend.

Being Christened does not make you a Christian, but it does take you to God. You would be expected to attend church regularly as a family, so that you can all grow as part of the community which follows Jesus.
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Although most Christening gowns today are white, the gowns were brightly dyed throughout the 17th century in England until the French introduced the white Christening dress.

Prince Charles was baptised Charles Philip Arthur George by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Geoffrey Fisher, in Buckingham Palace at 3.30pm on 15th December, 1948.

You may be interested in my Handmade Christening Cards you can personalise.

These articles are for information only and I cannot guarantee their accuracy