The Christening Ceremony

Since I was already researching the history behind the christening gown, I thought it might be interesting to research the christening ceremony.  I was not familiar with the background, since I'm a Baptist - cough.

The christening/baptism ceremony was mandated by the Catholic church in 416, and the edict was written that all babies that died before being baptised would enter limbo.  (This was later lifted in 2007 when the Pope proclaimed that all babies and children went to heaven, baptized or not.)

The baptism ceremony removes sins and unites the child as a child of God and a member of the Catholic church.  The parents and godparents take a part in the ritual - the godparents promise to see after the child's religous training, and his/her progress through life.

The white christening gown is a sign of Christian dignity and purity, the oil placed on the head and chest in the sign of the cross is the Holy Spirit, and the lit candle is symbolic of the light of Christ, which we are all asked to keep lit.

The History Behind Christening Gowns

Just exactly when did babies start wearing the christening gowns we see today?

Up until the 20th century, babies and toddlers - both boys and girls - wore dresses.  Around the mid 1700's, the long christening robes, and dresses, were used during christening and baptisms.  (Before that, babies were kept tightly swaddled - even for the christening ceremonies.)

Expectant mothers would create the family christening gowns before the first baby was born - created by hand with pintucks, pleats, french and swiss laces - showing detailed workmanship.  The fabrics, laces and embroidery flosses were white - symbolic of new life, purity and joy.  These works of art were carefully stored after babies baptism and used for each new child, carried down through generations of babies.  I had the opportunity to design a christening gown for a mother whose family actually had a gown created hundreds of years ago - stored in a family vault!

Todays gowns come in all styles - mass-manufactured and sold in stores, and also handmade by seamstresses and sold individually.

NOW at Auburn Rose! Heirloom Christening Gowns!

Now available at Auburn Rose - handmade heirloom christening gowns, rompers, bubble and suits under the CH Heirlooms label!  Created from swiss cottons, silks, batistes and linens - fabrics that, stored correctly, will be family heirlooms for future generations of babies.

The family christening gowns are called so because they can be used for both boys and girls.  These sets come complete with caps and separate slips.  Monogramming of name, initials and dates is available.

Check out our selection!  And order early, as these items are in high demand, and very labor intensive to create.