Ten weeks old. That's Little Zach. Down in Fulham, London this very morning. He is wearing the new outfit that Shirley and I bought for him over the weekend. It has got three soldiers embroidered on it - just like the guards at Buckingham Palace.
Though Zach has got two aunties and five uncles, he has only got three cousins. Of course there are Phoebe and Margot up here in Yorkshire but also ten year old Alexander - the only son of Sarah's oldest brother and his American wife who live in west London. Maybe there will be one or two more cousins in the future.
It looks as though Zach will be christened in the springtime. Neither of my children were christened as religion does not really figure in our lives. However, I am sure that this land had birth ceremonies long before Christianity found its way here from continental Europe.
And that is how I will view the process - a gathering of blood relatives and friends to welcome the little fellow to the world. I would be very happy to lead the christening service with non-religious verbiage:-
"Friends and family members... We are gathered here today on this fine spring morning to welcome Baby Zach into our world. In him we invest much love and hope for the future. As years pass, he will inhabit a distant land called The Future where some of us will not travel.
Let us give thanks to Zach's parents Sarah and Ian for his arrival and for providing him with love, safety and a comfortable home. Let the rest of us support them in the process of parenting by supplying them with good wishes, time, kindly thoughts and practical support. Let us know when to speak and when to keep quiet. And let there be laughter and patience around Zach as he grows."
See. The Christian balderdash is unnecessary.
To each his own, Mr. Pudding, as long as beliefs are not forced on others where they're not shared or welcomed. That said, I find your words quite a lovely way to officially welcome Zach to the world. He looks mighty fine in his new outfit.
ReplyDeleteI realise that religion plays a significant part in your life Kelly. Thank you for tolerating my atheistic nods.
DeleteI wonder what this little guy is thinking here. they are much smarter than we give them credit for.
ReplyDeleteHe's thinking, "Who is that Canadian bloke and why is he staring at me?"
DeleteSounds good.
ReplyDeleteI might sing it.
Delete"As years pass, he will inhabit a distant land called The Future where some of us will not travel." That's a wonderful way to describe the future. We are sorry we can't travel with you but you will enjoy yourself regardless.
ReplyDeleteLife is like a never-ending voyage. We stop at ports along the way and some of us disembark.
DeleteFive uncles! I ever only had two, but three aunts and six cousins (three boys, three girls) who I was rather close with during our childhood.
ReplyDeleteLittle Zach looks a bit sceptical at the camera, or maybe he is just tired and went to sleep soon afterwards.
The gathering for his christening will hopefully be to everyone's enjoyment, no matter their belief (or not).
Sometimes you have to bite your tongue and that is what I will do when the vicar drones on at the christening.
DeleteThat's a lovely speech, I like it. I don't remember how many cousins the twins have, five from my side, and then there are second cousins from my first husband's side and he was one of nine. Zach is looking quite serious as he studies the camera lens there.
ReplyDeleteZach is thinking, "Who is that Aussie woman looking at me?"
DeleteYour verbiage is perfect !
ReplyDeleteThat's what I tend to think when I put my verbiage in the compost bin.
DeleteHe looks very serious - perhaps he's reflecting on the words of your song?
ReplyDeleteI like your alternative to a Christian christening ceremony. Very few of my friends, or cousins, had their children christened, and they in turn have not had theirs christened either.
Religion gets in the way of a lot of things.
DeleteA lovely and complete speech to welcome Zach into the world. He looks a little sweetie.
ReplyDeleteHe is very different from Baby Margot but equally lovely.
DeleteBeautiful idea: wish I had thought of it!
ReplyDeleteSo often in key ceremonial moments we are obliged to listen to the droning of biblical language.
DeleteYou could add me as a fairy godfather if you like. But I can't guarantee any half-crowns.
ReplyDeleteOkay but you will have to dress up as a fairy godfather with a tutu, tiara, wings and a sparkling wand.
DeleteIt's always good to have a social occasion. We should invent something to celebrate in Summer. Barbecue Day?
ReplyDeleteOr Day of The Rain.
DeleteIt's got to be better than a Royal wedding or Coronation?
ReplyDeleteI doubt that Richard Dimbleby will be doing the commentary.
DeleteSplendid welcoming speech. And I agree with you about religion.
ReplyDeleteYour plump little pudding looks very tasty.
ReplyDeleteAll of my children were baptized Catholic but none of us are Catholic now and none of my 7 grandchildren have been christened. I don't miss it.
ReplyDeleteGood wishes of peace, love, happiness, and good health to all children.
Odds are he will outlive is by 70 years. The things he will see in his lifetime.
ReplyDeleteWhat an incredibly beautiful baby! I know you must be proud. I like your verbiage. To me, it is fitting.
ReplyDeleteAm I right in thinking little Zachary has his dad's eyes? And that solemn little expression on his face is adorable. :)
ReplyDeleteI would happily use your words. I'm all in favour of plagiarism in a good cause.
ReplyDeleteLittle Zachary is just beautiful, I would love another Grandchild but will have to wait now for a Great Grandchild hopefully.
ReplyDeleteAs for religion, I've had my fair share of events to wipe it from my life having once been a 'believer'. I now make nature the thing to respect and look up to. I've learnt that no amount of praying to any God will make a difference to any outcome.
Cynical? lol
Briony
x
Biting my tongue is what I do when you diss my religion. You wouldn't do it to a buddhist
ReplyDeleteNaming ceremonies have taken a myriad of forms over the years, and will continue to evolve. Whether it's through 'churching', another religious base, self-fashioned meaningful words, or a simple tea party in the garden, it's the intention behind it that matters - to show the little one how much he is cherished, and to acknowledge that parents and children need meaningful support and love throughout their lives. Parenting is tough, but Sarah and Ian seem to have their heads screwed on the right way, and wrapped in so much love from their wider families, Zach is sure to thrive. His special day will be a joyous reason for celebration no matter what form it takes.
ReplyDelete