http://www.pressies.org/catholic-gifts-for-baptism/
Although sometimes ‘christening’ and ‘dedication’ are used in an interchangeable manner, there is a difference in these religious ceremonies. It is understandable, however, that a certain amount of confusion exists about these terms. Since the earliest times, there has been debate surrounding this issue.
Some wondered if parents should ‘dedicate’ their infants. Certain groups suggested that the true ‘dedication’ be delayed until a child had reached the age of reason. Despite the debate throughout the years, there is a clear difference between christening and dedication.
Both ceremonies – christening and dedication – focus on entry into a religious community. A christening uses the symbolism of water; a dedication does not use water in the ceremony. Christening is the common way to welcome a new member into various religions – Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, Presbyterian. Dedication is practiced in other faiths such as Baptist and non-denomination religions.
A christening ‘names’ the newest member of the congregation. Throughout history, ‘christening’ refers to the giving of a Christian name. In addition, the word ‘christen’ has a long history in the English language in which ‘baptize’ was its common meaning. The word was used in that manner by Shakespeare and Chaucer.
Within the Catholic faith, christening is the name given to the action taken to bestow the sacrament of Baptism. A christening usually involves the sprinkling or pouring of water over a child (or at times, adult) by the priest or minister. In bestowing the sacrament of Baptism, the Catholic religion uses the practice of ‘christening’ and pours water from the baptismal font onto the baby.
Some religions use total immersion into water to baptize one of their congregation. The total immersion practice can trace its roots back to the baptism of John the Baptist in the River Jordan. A baptism always involves the symbolism of water.
A dedication isn’t a baptism. The word ‘baptism’ comes from a Greek word meaning “a sacramental bath which connects us to Christ.” A dedication connects a child to Christ and to a religious community – through ‘dedication’ not through “baptism.”
In both christening and dedication, a new member is welcomed into the church. The parents agree to raise the child in their particular faith. With a christening ceremony, the parents make this commitment and ‘godparents’ or ‘sponsors’ of the child agree to also guide the child in faith.
The Catholic ceremony stresses the godparents’ commitment – especially in the case of the untimely death of the parents. Yet the Catholic ceremony also invites the entire community to be a role model for the child. In a dedication, the parents dedicate the child and promise to raise their son or daughter in that religion. They state their commitment in front of their religious community.
Both ceremonies are cause for religious, family, and community celebrations. Special gowns are the common attire for both celebrations. Any gowns sold as ‘christening gowns’ will also suit for a dedication ceremony. The gown fabrics can range from linen and cotton to organza and bridal satin. Christening gowns and baby dedication gowns usually have lovely details such as lace, embroidery, or beading.
Both celebrations have the usual elements such as accessories and invitations. Sometimes even invitations will use both terms in interchangeable fashion. When sending a gift or card, refer to the ceremony as your host mentions it in the invitation. If referred to in the correct manner, there will be a difference between a christening and a dedication. The ceremonies, however, can also differ slightly according to the specific religion or even among pastors.
A dedication and a christening signify the beginning of a child’s commitment to a religion. Both ceremonies have significant spiritual importance. The celebrations are steeped in tradition and meaningful for families and religious communities.
There is a difference in the ceremonies for a christening and a dedication. Yet both welcome new members in faith, and with or without the baptism aspect, a dedication and a christening mark the beginning of a Christian life.
About the Author:
Mary Teresa Fowler is a Canadian freelance writer. She writes articles, web content, press releases, newsletters, children’s personalized stories, and children ‘s general stories. She created the network – “Kind Classes” – Help Stop School Bullying
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Christening and Dedication:Different Beginnings
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