What to give a child on the day of his christening
Baptism is the sacrament of the new birth. It, like the physical birth, is possible only once. A little boy or girl does not realize what is happening, so the sacred vows are pronounced for him by his godparents. They vouch for the baby before God. Of course, at christening it is customary to give gifts that will become a talisman for a person for life.
What to give a child for christening
Baptism is a big, important and unusual event in the life of a child and his relatives. During the sacrament, a person receives protection from God and a guardian angel, acquires one more parent - godparents. From time immemorial, this celebration has been celebrated at the festive table with family, relatives and friends, who traditionally give gifts.
What should be the gifts for the godson and goddaughter
Real godparents (spiritual mother and father of the baby) always play an important role in the life of the child. And gifts from them should be symbolic.
Baby from godmother
During the ceremony, she is the main recipient for the girl, it is to her that the priest gives the baby after the font. The godmother gives elegant clothes for the performance of the ceremony - a vest, booties, a bonnet for a newborn (or a dress, shoes and a scarf for an older girl) and necessarily a kryzhma (cloth or towel in which the child is wrapped after ablution).
The baptismal set should be made of soft natural fabric (cotton, linen, silk) in white or pale pastel color, which is a symbol of purity. It is decorated with thematic embroidery, lace, ribbons, ruffles. Kryzhma, like clothes, is not washed or used, but stored. Many years later, today's goddaughter will give this outfit to her daughter or granddaughter.
Christening clothes for a girl are decorated with lace or pink embroidery
A baptismal set for boys is a kryzhma and a moderately elegant shirt, cap and booties in white, flesh-colored or pale blue.
Christening clothes for a boy are decorated with lace or blue embroidery
Godfather baby
The godfather usually pays for the rite of baptism in the church and gives a cross with a rope, which symbolizes strength, protects a person from evil and adversity, helps to endure illness and trouble. If it was not bought in a church, it is consecrated in advance.
The cross is made of simple or precious metal, amber or wood. The main thing is the absence of sharp edges so that the child does not get scratched. There is no need to give an expensive jewelry with a chain to a baby. This item of gold can be presented on the coming of age of today's baby.
During the ceremony, a lock of hair is cut off from the baby, as a symbol of a gift to God, because the baby has nothing else. Therefore, you can still give beautiful small bags or boxes for a cross and a curl.
The rite of baptism for boys is slightly different from the christening for girls. After dipping into the font, the godfather receives the child and then brings him to the altar. Every baptized male infant is considered a potential temple worker. Women are not allowed to serve on the altar.
A cross for a child can be made of simple metal or wood.
From grandparents to grandson or granddaughter
Grandparents present gifts to their grandchildren, based on their abilities. It can be:
- a bible for children to read together;
- an Orthodox bracelet or ring that a girl or boy can wear when they grow up;
- a silver spoon, an egg holder, a mug, a plate or a whole set of dishes (you can engrave the name and date of birth of the child);
- a silver bell or rattle;
- a small golden pin from the evil eye;
- precious metal earrings for the girl to wear when the time is right;
- silver or gold coin.
All these are symbolic, sincere and important gifts that will remain for a lifetime, be inherited, and keep the memory of grandparents.
Ideas for the right gifts from grandparents - photo gallery
The children's bible is written as a fairy tale for children The Orthodox bracelet is a talisman and protection A silver spoon as a gift is a long tradition A golden pin will protect from the evil eye Earrings for a girl are a beautiful decoration
From the guests and friends of the parents for the newborn and his mother
Guests, family friends, uncles, aunts and other relatives also give gifts for baptism. This may be all that is useful for a child:
- toys, books, educational games, a bicycle or a stroller;
- children's furniture;
- clothes, you can grow;
- bed linen, blanket, pillow;
- dishes;
- decorations.
Icon as a gift
The icon is one of the most important gifts for baptism. It can be presented by godparents, grandparents, and guests.
Previously, a baby was baptized between the ages of 7 and 40 days old. Then he was given life-size or measured icons. They were written on a special board, the length of which corresponded to the height of the child, and the width to the width of his shoulders on the eighth day from birth, when it was customary to give a name to a person. Today, you can also order such an icon in an icon-painting workshop, but you need to take care of this in advance.
Icon - an important gift for baptism
Who will be depicted on the icon is negotiated individually. This may be the patron of the child, the guardian angel, Nicholas the Wonderworker, the Savior or the Mother of God, other saints who are revered in the family. You can consult with the priest of the temple where the ceremony is planned to be held.
The icon is placed near the baby's bed so that he looks at it. Small ones can be placed next to the baby or in the stroller. There are tiny wearable icons that are worn with a cross or worn for holidays.
Handmade gifts for the christening of a boy and a girl
Today, everything is on sale. But handmade gifts are very significant, original and touching. The godmother-needlewoman herself is able to sew or knit clothes and kryzhma, cases for a cross and strands of hair. The godfather can make a shelf-stand for icons and candles. An embroidered prayer or a picture from guests inserted into a frame will bring joy. A handmade knitted or patchwork blanket is very useful for a baby. Such spiritual gifts will be useful and will last for a long time.
Gifts can be complex and very simple, for example:
- handmade card with good wishes;
- box for small things;
- album or photo frame;
- candy bouquet to make life sweet;
- diaper cake;
- handmade toys.
Undoubtedly, all symbolic christening gifts are memorable and will accompany the child in his long life.
Do-it-yourself original gift options - photo gallery
A handmade card is a touching christening gift A photo frame will decorate the house A candy bouquet is beautiful and tasty A diaper cake is a funny, original and useful gift 
Crocheted horse will appeal to both girls and boys
Do-it-yourself album folder for the christening of a child - video
Is it possible to give money as a gift
It's best to talk to your parents ahead of time and figure out what to give for christening so you don't end up with the same gifts. Money is not a symbolic, but a business and practical gift. Children's things and toys are expensive, so you can ask what purchases are planned for the baby now or later, when he grows up, and donate an adequate amount for something specific. A gift certificate from a children's store would be appropriate.
According to tradition, godparents give symbolic gifts, but they can also financially participate in organizing the celebration if they wish.
Money is a practical gift if you don't know how to please your parents and baby
It is very important that baptismal gifts are made from the heart and with good thoughts and wishes. Then they will bring joy and spiritual benefit to the baby. He will grow up as a good person with love in his soul for God and people.
