Namings

It’s good for families and friends to gather to welcome a new child to his family and circle of friends as well as the community. It’s also a great time to reflect on the delights and demands not only of parenthood, but what it means to be part of a wider family and a network of friends and neighbours.

One of my most memorable was working with a family to devise a welcoming ceremony for a little girl, who after months of waiting and form filling was finally legally adopted. She was a delightful seven year old who knew exactly what the ceremony was all about. Of course she already had a first name, so she chose an extra, middle name to celebrate the occasion!