Naming an adopted child can be celebrated in a very special ceremony to welcome this chosen one into the family. Welcoming a new child into your family is always a momentous occasion, but to celebrate the happy ending to what is often a long and frustrating process of adoption carries extra joy and significance.
Finally you are able to honour your journey and to embrace the new family dynamic. Families who have adopted or blended through step-parenting can now create a special ceremony which will be a little different from welcoming a baby that was born to a couple.
Set the stage
Choose a venue for the ceremony that is meaningful for your family. It could be your home, a garden, a park, or any other place that is a special “happy place” for you. Use your decorations to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Flowers, candles, balloons or symbolic items that represent your family’s unique story help to make the event memorable.
Select ceremony elements
You and your celebrant will plan the ceremony beforehand. Discuss who will be involved in the ceremony and what role each participant will play. Consider the rituals and symbolism which you would like to incorporate. Look for readings and poems that are suited to your circumstances.
Welcome address
Most ceremonies begin with a warm welcome, and an expression of your gratitude for the child joining your family. We acknowledge the love and commitment shared among all family members.
An important element of ceremonies is storytelling. Now would be a good time to tell the story of how you first heard about this precious child, how your relationship grew, what the bureaucracy placed in your path and how you overcame all the challenges. Now would also be a good time to acknowledge and thank the people who helped you in the adoption process, such as social workers and officials.
Naming ritual
If you have adopted a new-born baby, you will be giving the child her or his names. Explain what the names mean and why you chose them.
If the child had already been given a name before you met her/him, you can still give the meaning of these given names. You might have given the child a nickname, which you can also give the background to.
In a legal adoption the child will take on your surname. The origins and meanings of surnames are also of interest.
Readings or poems
Incorporate readings or poems that reflect the importance of family, love, and what adopting a child means to the family. Select pieces that fit in with your family’s values and emotions.
Vows and promises when naming an adopted child
Parents and other significant family members or friends use a naming ceremony for an adopted child to make their promises of their unwavering love, support and commitment. These vows are deeply personal and written to reflect each individual’s role in the child’s life.
Ceremony certificate
The celebrant or the parents can create a personalised certificate or document that commemorates the ceremony. This is a beautiful keepsake for the child and a reminder of their place in the family.
Age of the child
Adoption might involve an older child. Your ceremony needs to reflect this. You will consult the child on how they would like to celebrate the occasion. The wording needs to be appropriate for the age of the child.
You might also need to recognise that the child comes from a different cultural background from you.
Even if the child has lived with you for some time, this is still a public recognition of the new legal status of the child.
Involve family and friends in naming an adopted child
A naming ceremony provides an opportunity to involve close family members and friends to play a significant role in the child’s journey. You can assign roles in the ceremony to these supporting adults and adopted siblings or cousins. They can read a passage, share a story, light candles or sparklers, sing a song or participate in the naming ritual. This reinforces the sense of community and support surrounding your family. (See Supporting Adults In Baby Naming Ceremonies for more ideas.)
Symbolism in the naming ceremony
Choose symbols or rituals that make the naming ceremony for an adopted child memorable. Common activities include lighting a unity candle to represent the joining of families, planting a shrub or tree to symbolise growth and roots. You can have a Wish Box, into which everyone who attends the ceremony can put slips of paper on which they have written their wishes and dreams for the child’s future. These symbolic acts can add depth and significance to the ceremony.
Celebratory gathering
After the ceremony, celebrate the new addition to your family with a party. This is a perfect opportunity for everyone to bond, share stories, and create new memories together. Consider incorporating elements like a photo slideshow or memory board showcasing the child’s journey and the love that brought you all together.
Wordways Ceremonies offers a variety of non-religious ceremonies, including naming ceremonies. Get in touch with Vanessa today to discuss your needs.