Naming and ceremonies

Hindu ceremonies
Traditions vary widely from sect to sect. Usually, a priest prays when the baby is born (to bless the soul, wish for good health and to give thanks to God); and there may also be a naming ceremony (namkaran). Both ceremonies involve a fire (havan - usually contained in a metal pot) and may be carried out at the temple or at home.Gifts are expected for the priest along with donations to the poor and/or the temple and/or other deserving causes. There is also generally some kind of party.

At either a year or three years old, there may be a further ceremony, unrelated to the naming called mundan. This involves shaving the child's head and may take place at home, or at somewhere of religious significance (for example, Haridwan, a key point on the Ganges).

Useful contacts
Hindu Baby Names - A Kaushik (Star Publications; 1999; £4.95; 8186264574)

Muslim ceremonies
The naming of the child itself (al-Tasmiya) does not take place at any particular ceremony. A name should, however, be decided upon by the seventh day after the birth. At that time it is traditional for there to be a slaughter (Aqeequah) - two sheep for a boy and one for a girl - and there may be a meal to which guests are invited. The seventh day is also the traditional day for boys to be circumcised (al-Khitaan).

After the Aqueeqah, it is traditional to shave the baby's head (al-Halq) and for the value of the weight of the shorn hair in silver to be given to the poor.

Useful contacts
Muslim nameswww.muslim-names.co.uk. Listings and meanings of Muslim names, together with a bulletin board for asking questions about them.
Talk Islamwww.talkislam.com. One of the links from the home page leads to a comprehensive page of links on all aspects of naming.

Secular ceremonies
With the decline in religious faith in the UK, a number of new parents are opting for non-religious events organised to reflect concepts of personal importance to the parents. These are relevant if you are dubious for example about promising to train your child in the practice of the relevant faith. In this event godparents tend to be renamed 'supporting adults' or 'mentors'.

It can be helpful to clarify the purpose of a secular ceremony - welcoming the child, naming her, making a public affirmation of the commitment of parents and any other adults, to her welfare, or all three.Given that most parents do not have experience of officiating at such events a celebrant with experience of one comes in handy.

©Text 2002 Kate Calvert; Listings ©2002 Kate Calvert & Harden's Ltd