First and foremost, a baby naming ceremony is a pagan ritual. These were practiced way before there were really any particular religions recognized as they are now. But this does not mean that there are no pagans, or cultures that have different beliefs other than the accepted. It is important to remember that not all people are Catholics, Protestants, Muslims, Buddhists, etc.
The ‘saining’ or ‘Wiccaning’ is a ceremony where the baby is presented to the community to which he or she belongs to, much like a baptism or Christening for lack of a better word. This is a very important and spiritual ceremony, just different.
Ideally, the parents should have already chosen a name before the ceremony. Most States require that the parents give a name to the baby before it is discharged from the hospital, while others mandate that the parents have to apply for a birth certificate – a requirement that needs a name – within a month of the baby’s birth. Look for accepted Pagan names online or from a Pagan Name Book.
Generally, this ceremony is done after the umbilical cord falls off. Symbolically, the umbilical cord ties the life of the child to the mother and will continue to be tied until after the cord drops off. Once this happens, the child is now an individual, a life separate from the mother.
As religions appoint Godparents to children, a baby naming ceremony appoints Guardians for the baby and these Guardians can be members of different religions if they are an important part of the life of the parents. When choosing Guardians, make certain that they understand that this is not the same as a legal guardian, this is a symbolic position.
Brief invited guests who are no Wiccans and let them know the differences between religious ceremonies and this ceremony. For one thing, a High Priest or a High Priestess will perform the ceremony.
The ceremony is usually held outside if the weather permits and the ceremony are attuned to nature. Consecrate the entire area beforehand by smudging. Place a solid and balanced wooden table to use as an altar, put on top the magical tools that are normally used for this ceremony, and prepare a cup of milk, water or wine and blessing oil.
There will be a lot of ceremonies that will be performed before the actual baby naming which involve the invocations of either the mother or the father, depending on the sex of the child, and the participation of the Guardians.
For those who are not familiar with rituals, it is going to be confusing at first, but it should be noted that these are very solemn rituals and great respect is given to nature and the child which is considered a gift to the parents.
If you are among those who are asked to witness a Wiccan ceremony, feel honored that you are accepted into a closed community that above all respects nature and love between the community members.