Baby Names

One of the most important parts in the birthing rituals is the naming of the baby. The couple is to choose a meaningful date about a month or two after the baby is born. These dates usually include an important Pagan holiday, or the welcoming of a full moon. On this day, the family and friends of the couple and their new baby gather to welcome the new baby into their community. During the ceremony, the family has the opportunity to tell the details of the birthing process, and the events that have happened since the birth of the child. Also, this ceremony serves as a place to name their child. Often the baby is named after a Pagan god or goddess and usually is given two names. One of the names serves as what people will call them from day-to-day. The second name given to the child is the name that is saved for special ceremonies having to do with their religious circle.

In encountering this ritual, my immediate thought was the connection with a christening. In Christian communities, families often gather a few months after their baby is born to welcome the child into their community. These events are very similar because both serve to show support to the family and allow a new member into their circle. Although Christian babies are already named by the time a christening occurs, the family still takes part in telling their birthing stories and has a special communication with their religious society. An individual may change their perspectives from this ritual because they may obtain a better understanding of what it means to welcome a baby into a community. Often, people are judgmental when hearing the word “witch”, but after understanding how the practices do not differ so greatly, it may allow for a better connection with different cultures.

ARTHEN, SUE CUREWITZ. "Rites of Passage." Celebration of Birth. Fire Heart, n.d. Web. 6 May 2010. .

Konick, Lisa. "Welcome Your Baby: Pagan Traditions." Belief Net. Digitaria, 2000. Web. 1 Apr 2010. .

"Beth's Pagan Stuff." About Paganism and Witchcraft. Beth's World of Wonders, 1997. Web. 6 May 2010. .