Baptism is the first of seven church sacraments, with whom an Orthodox person gets acquainted. The baby can be baptized on the 40th day after birth, when the mother in labor is allowed to attend church again. What should the baby's mother and godmother wear to the christening?
What to wear to a christening
What to wear to your godmother's christening
For a family, baby baptism - a real holiday. From the moment of immersion in the holy font, a person is born for a new eternal life in God. So important event requires special treatment from participants in the sacrament.
One of the main roles in the ritual belongs to the godmother. She will have to replace the sacraments for the entire time my own mother. This is a very big responsibility. In addition, the church attaches great importance to the appearance of parishioners. What to wear to a godmother's christening?
Since we are talking about a holiday, it is better to give preference to light colors. It can be a plain blue, milky white, pearl, pink, mint dress. Delicate prints in pastel colors are acceptable. An alternative to a dress can be a set of blouse and skirt, made in the same restrained color.
The requirements for the outfit are as follows:
Long sleeves (arms must be completely covered);
Lack of neckline;
The length is at least ankle length, or better yet floor length.
Trousers, jeans, miniskirts, and bare arms are prohibited (in extreme cases, you can wear a dress with elbow-length sleeves and cover yourself with a scarf). In general, nothing provocative, overtly sexual, bright.
A woman's head entering a temple must be covered with a scarf. In order not to ruin the image, you need to choose a fabric that matches the dress in color and texture.
It is important to take into account that you will have to hold the child in your arms for quite a long time (if several babies are baptized, the ceremony may take an hour and a half). Therefore, the godmother’s clothing should be as comfortable as possible, ensuring freedom of movement. For the same reason, you should choose shoes that suit flat sole or with a minimal stable heel.
What to wear to mom's christening
The baby's own mother is not given such an important role in the baptismal ceremony. There are churches in which mothers do not need to be in the baptismal room at all. They will be called at the very end of the ceremony to accept the baby from the hands of the priest. Nevertheless, a mother should take her choice of clothing no less seriously.
What should mom wear to a christening? General rules the same as for the godmother's outfit: modesty and restraint. A headscarf, low heels, covered arms and legs, no heavy makeup - this is how the overall look should be. To emphasize the festive atmosphere and the importance of the moment, you can wear a special dress made of beautiful expensive fabric in cream, soft pink, or pastel shades.
The very first and most important sacrament in Orthodoxy most often occurs in infancy - baptism. Loving parents with all their hearts wish to enlist the protection of higher luminous forces. Full of special meaning, the ritual becomes a significant event in the life of the family, a real holiday. They begin to prepare for it in advance, trying to take into account the smallest details.
I want everything to match the formal atmosphere, including clothes. With understanding, a baptismal set purchased will emphasize the significance of the moment, will comply with Orthodox canons and will provide the baby with complete comfort and peace of mind during the entire stay in the temple. The church does not indicate a specific age for baptism, but it is believed that the ceremony should be performed as early as possible, because the baby really needs the help of his guardian angel. Ideally, this should happen within 7-40 days from the moment. For such babies, the baptism kit is chosen by godparents or parents; older children can decide for themselves what exactly they will be baptized with.
What does the baptism kit include?
Typically, a baptism kit will include the following:
- pectoral cross;
- baptismal shirt;
- a towel (or a special diaper) called kryzhma;
- booties, textile boots;
- scarf, cap.
Now let's take a closer look at each element that is included in the baptismal set.
The pectoral cross is bought by the future godfather. He chooses the form and execution himself. Today it is customary to buy crosses precious metal thin artistic work. But supporters of the traditional wooden cross remain. Crosses made of amber and semi-precious minerals are less common. The main requirement is the absence of sharp corners that could scratch the baby. The cross is attached to a chain or special cord. If the cross was bought in a shop at the temple, it was already consecrated. Otherwise, the cross must be consecrated before the ceremony begins.
Baptismal attire is traditionally purchased by the godmother. She should make sure that the fabric of the shirt is soft, preferably natural. After all, these will be the first clothes that the baby wears after ablution. The shirt is chosen to be loose so that it can be easily put on the baby’s wet body. At the same time, the baptismal shirt can be elegant; lace, ruffles, and thematic embroidery are acceptable. It’s great when a mother, sister, grandmother or aunt can sew or knit a christening shirt themselves. But those who are not keen on handicrafts today can easily find a baptism kit in many children's stores or order it from special workshops. Traditionally, the shirt is made snow-white, as a symbol of sinlessness; cream, soft pink, peach or other pastel shades are acceptable; individual elements such as embroidery can have more saturated shades. The main rule is to avoid pretentiousness; in the baptismal ceremony one should give preference to elegant restraint. It is better to baptize a baby wearing a shirt made of the finest linen or cotton.
Kryzhma is usually sold as a set with a baptismal shirt, booties and a cap. It is in Kryzhma that the godparents receive the baby after the font. If baptism is carried out in cool weather, you can opt for a hooded roof and take an extra blanket.
Booties or fabric boots should keep little feet warm after a dip and be a nice addition to an outfit. They should be easy to put on and not chafe your skin. But a cap or scarf will be included in an elegant set - it depends on the gender of the baby.
How are they different?
The composition of the fabric for sewing baptismal clothes and girls' clothes is exactly the same, the only difference is in the finishing. Some manufacturers produce separate lines. A christening set for a girl will be easily recognizable by the pink tones in the decoration, the abundance of lace details and satin inserts with ribbons. In addition, the “girlish” set will definitely include a headscarf or cap with frills. They are put on immediately after ablution. After all, according to the ritual, women are required to cover their heads in the temple.
Boys are offered sets in light blue with blue or silver trim. A bonnet or cap is worn only by the youngest; older boys can remain bareheaded. The baptismal set for a boy is sewn with less lavish decoration; often the matter is limited to discreet embroidery or decorative braid.
Some parents, wanting to throw a magnificent celebration, buy or order luxurious dresses for their daughters or real tuxedos for their sons. But such secular outfits are unlikely to be appropriate in church; they are best left for family celebrations. Moreover, it is quite difficult to take them off and put them on, which is very inconvenient during the ceremony.
What to consider when choosing
Be sure to pay attention to the material. The baptismal shirt and kryzhma are selected from natural fabrics - thin cotton, linen fiber, knitwear, light flannel or terry cloth. This outfit will not cause irritation, providing the baby with comfort and peace of mind during the ceremony.
The baptism kit must take into account the age of the person being baptized. What is suitable for babies under one year old is completely inappropriate for preschool or school-age children.
They purchase baptismal attire in children's stores, online sites, and church supply stores. If ready set If you are not completely satisfied, you can always create your own set by purchasing individual items. For those who attach special importance to the sacrament of baptism, we can even recommend ordering an individual set in special workshops at the temple. Usually they offer models for every taste: extremely simple and luxuriously elegant.
Special clothes, special attitude
After the ceremony, the baptismal attire is not washed. It is carefully kept, sometimes for the rest of one’s life, as it is considered a real amulet. It is not for nothing that the mother’s kryzhma is subsequently covered with a very ill baby. This beautiful towel with embroidered symbols of baptism is kept along with baptismal candles from the church and a certificate of the sacrament performed. In some families, baptismal clothing is passed down through generations. This strengthens the spiritual protection of each subsequent generation.
Baptismal set for the first sacrament was last modified: April 29th, 2016 by Gulya
There are many church sacraments, and baptism is one of the main ones among them. It is on the day of christening that a person is born for the second time; this process is also called spiritual rebirth.
People are baptized at any age, but Orthodox parents often care about the soul of their child and perform the ceremony in infancy.
It is necessary to carefully prepare for the ceremony and think through every detail. You will be warned about all the necessary items in advance at the church when registering.
As a rule, everything you need can be bought there: crosses, icons, baptismal belts - the sets of items vary somewhat in different churches. An important decision for parents of a baby: clothes for the “new” Orthodox.
How to choose an outfit
The choice should be based on the temperature in the room where the christening is held. Young children react sharply to temperature changes, especially after contact with water.
The cute model is complemented by a headband and elegant booties.
It is best to take a few warm clothes and a blanket with you.
Before baptism, the girl is dressed in ordinary clothes, and afterward she is dressed in a beautiful dress or shirt, traditionally white. It is designed to reflect the purity of the child’s soul.
Modern parents often choose original colors clothes for elegant dress– delicate peach, pink, beige.
Clothes for christenings are chosen either by the parents themselves or by the godparents - there are no fundamental instructions on this from the church. You should not choose too elegant clothes, despite the significance of the event.
Lightweight model for baptism on hot summer days
Orthodoxy is restraint and humility, large number ruffles and prints on clothes for a girl at a christening are simply inappropriate.
After baptism, wearing a dress is possible only if the child is sick; according to legend, it will have a healing effect.
Parents are traditionally prohibited from being in the room where the ceremony is taking place. But in modern times this tradition is rarely observed. For adults accompanying the baby, the dress code is no different from the usual one for attending church. Appropriate only in the most chaste version.
Women must have their heads covered, long skirt or a dress - nothing frilly or revealing. Absolutely not suitable for a deep neckline. Men must wear trousers, even in hot weather.
The main thing for the godparents and relatives of the baby is to be in a peaceful state of mind when coming to this bright ceremony. Leave all worldly thoughts and worries and rejoice in the spiritual rebirth of your daughter.
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Dress and cap decorated with voluminous roses
DIY baptismal robe and crochet
You can buy a christening dress or create it yourself. The second option is better for many reasons.
A hand-knitted item will be unique, carry the warmth of your hands and emphasize the significance of the event.
If you have been invited to a wedding ceremony with your child and need to find one, then a baptismal style of clothing would be quite appropriate. Knit two dresses at once - one for baptism and the second for going out with your princess.
For a tiny fairy from 3 to 6 months
An openwork, delicate dress is ideal for a sacred ceremony.
Airy lace creation (photo)
Fabric density: 10 loops create 15 cm of fabric.
Sequence of work:
- The front and back pieces are knitted in one piece, starting from the neckline.
- Dial a chain of 63 air loops. Knit the fabric with the pattern from diagram 1 for 9 rows. Next, 27 repeats are knitted, 4 loops are knitted on strips with fasteners on each side.
- Knit the second row of pattern 2: 4 double crochets, 4 repeats. This is the right side of the back piece. Next, skip 5 repeats, 9 repeats for the front part and another skip of repeats - 5 pieces. Repeat the mirror patterns. The back and front are knitted in one piece according to pattern 2. After 15 cm you need to finish knitting.
Knitting pattern No. 1
Knitting pattern No. 2
Assembly:
The neckline and part of the back are tied with a crayfish step. For fastening, sew 4 buttons: 5 cm from the bottom edge, 1 cm from the top edge. Pattern loops are used to fasten buttons.
The 1st and 8th rows of the product are decorated with a ribbon threaded through them, secured at the ends using hidden stitches. The finished dress is moistened and dried on a flat, hard surface.
Children's dress assembly diagram
You will find rules for choosing dresses for women over 40 years old.
For girls 6 – 12 months
Pink dress for girls 6 – 12 months
In the first loop: single crochet, 3 double crochets, 1 single crochet (repeat). Pass a loop and knit through the front loop, to the end of the row.
Sequence of work:
- Start knitting by casting on a chain of 172 chain stitches.
- 1st, 2nd rows: double crochets.
- 3rd row: Add 1 treble s/n every other stitch. from the previous row.
- 4th row: 1 treble s/n, then *1 treble s/n through each column of the previous row*. Repeat cycle ** until the end of the row.
- 5th row: double crochet stitches and increase 1st treble crochet on every 5th stitch of the previous row.
- Rows 6 to 10: Follow pattern 1.
- 11, 12 row: double crochets and increase of 1 treble crochet on every 10th stitch of the previous row.
- Row 13: identical to the fourth.
- Row 14: double crochets.
- Row 15: identical to row 12.
- Row 16: identical to the fourth.
- 17, 18 row: double crochets.
- Row 19: identical to the fourth.
- Row 20: knit according to fig. 1.
- From the 21st row, knitting goes in a circle.
- Row 21: double crochets.
- Row 22: identical to row 11.
- Row 23: double crochets.
- Row 24: identical to the fourth.
- Row 25: double crochets.
- Row 26: identical to row 12.
- Rows 27 – 36 are worked in double crochets.
- Row 37: identical to the fourth.
- Repeat the interval from rows 26 to 37 three times. At this point, 73 rows will be knitted. 74th: knitted as pattern 1.
Knitting and assembly pattern for pink dress №2
Assembly:
Tie a placket on the yoke and sew buttons with eyelets to it.
Headband:
According to pattern 2, a strip 48 cm long is knitted. To create a rose, cast on a chain of 38 chain stitches, knit a strip according to pattern 3 and form a flower from it. Sew the flower to the headband.
Summer dress for overweight women will help you choose the next one.
Knitting materials
The skin of babies and children under one year old is extremely sensitive to synthetics; for this reason, knitting threads should be either cotton or acrylic.
An airy look for the tiniest princesses
An excellent option is Violett or acrylic yarn, which is most often used for knitting children's dresses. The main thing is that the thread is soft and allows the skin to breathe.
Preferred hook numbers are 2.3. Do not take hooks that are too large - the product will not hold its shape well. Hooks too small size can lead to too much rigidity of the thing.
A selection of magnificent Muslim wedding dresses you will find.
Video
This video will tell you how to sew a baptismal dress with your own hands.
A christening dress for small children is knitted quite quickly, considering the size and complexity of the work. Choose a model so that it can be easily taken off and put on during the ceremony: that is, the dress should have a wide neck and comfortable fasteners.
In some churches, the priests themselves put on the baptismal dress after bathing; he simply will not have time to tinker with the complex design of the clothing.
Christening is an important stage in the life of a baby, because from this day he renounces a sinful life, and is subsequently reborn in spiritual life. Baptism involves the cleansing of the baby from original sin, which is caused by his birth. The sacrament of baptism is performed only once in a person’s life. Surely the baby's parents and his godparents I'm concerned about the question of how to dress for a christening. This is what we will talk about.
The church dress code is very different from the styles we use in everyday life . If you have never attended a christening before or rarely enter a church, the following recommendations and rules will help you dress appropriately.
Despite the fact that christening is a holiday celebrated in the Orthodox and Christian churches, clothing at this event becomes of great importance, since it should correspond to that very bright day when the baby joins the spiritual life. to his appearance You can’t stand out, but your attitude should be positive. You should avoid blouses that have short sleeves, short skirts, tops and jeans. Such clothes do not in any way correspond to church canons. Trousers of any kind are not acceptable.
- A discreet dress. The godmother and natural mother of the child should not differ in their appearance. Welcome plain fabrics and neutral colors. Since we are talking about festive atmosphere With which the christening will be filled, you need to wear a dress in light colors - white, blue, soft pink, peach, cream, apricot shades. The dress may have patterns, but they should be simple and discreet. The length of the dress should be below the knee. Floor length is welcome.
- Sleeves of a dress or blouse. As an alternative to a dress, you can wear a blouse and a skirt. The sleeves of a blouse or dress should be long. The blouse should have a simple cut. Necklines and deep cutouts, tight-fitting styles that fit tightly to the figure are not acceptable. The blouse matches the color of the skirt or can be a couple of shades lighter. When choosing a blouse, it should not hinder movements, especially for the godmother’s blouse - after all, the difficult task of calming the baby during the ceremony and holding him in her arms falls on her shoulders.
- Shoes. Must be closed, at low speed. It can be dark or matched to the main color scheme of the outfit. No heels or platforms. Shoes that are not very high are, of course, acceptable, but it is still better to avoid them. It is better to wear simple closed shoes.
- Makeup. Naturally, on such a day any woman will want to look her best, but the church does not accept bright makeup and frilly outfits. Preferred natural makeup- a little powder and a little blush, neat, even eyebrows, not flashily painted eyelashes. You can apply gloss to your lips, but avoid lipstick. When tinting your lips, keep in mind that the priest will ask you to kiss the cross, which means that if you apply lip gloss, it should be barely noticeable and long-lasting.
- Handkerchief. The head should be covered with a scarf. Naturally, you should not do voluminous hairstyles - just gather your hair into a bun or ponytail and braid it. You can have your own scarf in the color scheme of the chosen outfit, or take a scarf from the church.
- Cross. Godmothers and birthmothers, and in principle everyone who enters the church, must wear a pectoral cross, consecrated in the church. You can take your own cross or purchase one at the church.
How should a godfather dress for a christening?
The godfather's outfit is quite simple. It is enough to wear light trousers and a shirt a couple of shades lighter, and light closed shoes. Also wear a cross consecrated in the church.
During the baptism ceremony, the baby’s limbs are exposed, and therefore the outfit should be loose. A girl can wear a loose dress, and a boy can wear an equally loose shirt and trousers or shorts. Then the newborn child is dressed in a white diaper donated by the godmother or in a baptismal shirt - depending on the traditions of the church in which the baptism ceremony takes place.
If it is necessary to baptize a child who is already more than a year, for christening it can be dressed as follows.
- Handkerchief. Girls do not have to wear it until their period arrives, or until they are seven years old. According to church canons, a child under seven years of age is considered an infant. However, in order not to embarrass church grandmothers and other guardians of church order, you can wear a scarf. Thus, you will once again be on the safe side, since each church has its own rules, which they may not always tell you about.
- Dress. Must have long sleeve, be discreet, made from simple material. In the cold season, you should wear warm tights or panties. If baptism takes place in the summer, it is still more convenient long dress. If the child spins in his arms, such a dress will not confuse anyone or cause discomfort. Thin straps, slits and cutouts are not appropriate even for a child.
- White clothes. Gets dressed after the bath. White symbolizes purity, so clothes of this color should be worn after the ceremony. Don't forget about the baptismal set - towel, cap, shirt.
What should godparents buy for a christening?
To prepare for the christening of a child, it is not enough just to dress correctly. Godparents are required to purchase certain things that they give to the baby as a gift.
- White shirt or dress for christening. In the store you can purchase a simple version or a model with embroidery. Also, such goods are sold directly at the church. If you buy a shirt in a store, do not forget to wash and iron it before baptism, so that you can put it on your baby already clean. A baptismal shirt or chemise is worn after the baptism ceremony as a symbol that the child appears pure before God. According to tradition, this shirt should be worn for eight days. After this period, the shirt is removed and stored for life. If the child begins to get sick, the baptismal shirt can be placed under the pillow. You cannot baptize another baby using the same shirt.
- Pectoral cross. There should be a crucifix on it. This baptism should be purchased in advance or directly on the day of baptism. The cross must be consecrated. According to tradition, it is believed that the cross cannot be removed after baptism. Therefore, it is better to choose a small cross and a rope that would be difficult for the baby to remove from himself.
- Towel. Some churches wrap the baby in it after baptism, while other churches use a white swaddle. Whether it is a diaper or a towel, this item should be stored together with the baby’s baptismal shirt and not washed after the baptism ceremony.
- Scarf or cap. It can be purchased separately or purchased as a set with a baptismal set, which will include a cap or scarf.
The cost of a baptismal set, which includes a towel, cap, diaper and shirt, can range from 700-1500 rubles.
To be absolutely prepared for your christening, take the following items with you:
- Flannelette blanket. After the child is undressed and dipped into the bath, he may feel cold. The blanket will keep your baby warm and calm.
- Small package. It will be possible to place a lock of the baby’s hair in it, which will be cut by the priest. A lock of hair should be stored with christening shirt, diaper or towel.
How should godparents prepare for the baptismal ceremony?
In addition to clothes and gifts for the baby, godparents need to prepare for the baptism ceremony. What exactly should you do or not do?
- Take communion and repent of mortal sins a couple of days before the christening ceremony.
- Do not eat or have sexual intercourse on the day of baptism.
- If godparents baptize a boy, then the godfather will have to read the “Creed” prayer. If parents participate in the baptism of a girl, this prayer will need to be read to the godfather.
What are the responsibilities of a godmother?
Before you agree to become a godmother, you need to understand whether you can fulfill these obligations, which are presented below.
- Vouch for your child before the Lord
- Be responsible for spiritual education baby
- Take part in the upbringing and life of the child on an equal basis with his biological parents
- To take care of the child in the event that the biological parents can no longer fulfill their obligations to the child. The godmother can become the baby's full guardian.
- Pray for the godchild, be a caring and loving godmother
- Come to church with your child if the parents cannot do this
- Be an example for a child.
What is required of the godmother at a christening?
- Please note that the godmother, just like the godfather, must be baptized and observe Christian laws. If the godmother is not baptized, then she is baptized first, and only then the baby. By the way, biological parents may not be baptized at all or may be supporters of a different faith.
- The godmother must be present at the child's christening, unlike the godfather, who can attend the christening in absentia.
- Godparents must remember the day of the child’s baptism and every year on this day - the day of the Guardian Angel of the godchild - visit the temple every year, thank the Lord and light a candle.
When agreeing to become godparents of a child, you should remember not only the dress code, but also the obligations that you must fulfill before the child and before God. Christening is an important rite for the child, his relatives and godparents, and therefore you need to prepare for it thoroughly.
