We all know the tendency for the bride and groom to be feasted with gifts galore. Quite often, though, they return the favour by feasting the gift-givers with gifts of their own. In the edible department this might take the form of chocolates or sugar-coated almonds. In the transient form, it might be buttonholes or corsages. When the couple decide to make it a lasting memento of their wedding day, it could be anything. Similar gift-giving is appearing at Baby Naming ceremonies. Obviously the baby is inundated with all sorts of good things. From the Godparents it might be a bracelet which is placed on the babys wrist as part of the ceremony. From the Grandparents it might be something the child grows into, like ten thousand shares, worth a cent each at the moment, but hopefully might climb a little by the time the child is ready to cash it in at retirement age. Thoughtful parents like to show their appreciation to guests who sometimes travel huge distances to be part of the babys Naming day. There are those Aunties from Ireland, and Great Great Uncles from South Africa, and relation from Argentine that are so distant that no one has any idea which branch of the family tree they've sprung from. However, all are equally welcome. The most common mementos for Baby Naming are Certificates. Certificates for Grandparents and Great Grandparents, for Godparents, for the Baby, and sometimes a Certificate of acknowledgement to everyone present. But apart from Certificates, some parents who are into gift-giving, and where casting wishes for the baby is part of the Naming Ceremony, have a miniature wishing well I believe you can hire them set up on the table. At the conclusion of the ceremony, as the celebrant hands out the Certificates, guests are asked to have a lucky dip from the wishing well. Guests should be aware that these gifts are small, genderless, and with minimal value. They are to be considered as a gift from a baby whose pockets are as yet not particularly deep. |
