What to give for a christening: the best gift ideas for a boy, a girl and an adult

The sacrament of baptism is a great holiday and one of the most important stages of life for every Christian. Usually, they prepare for the celebration in advance: they choose a church, a priest, godparents and such necessary attributes as a cross and a baptismal shirt. After the ceremony, the relatives gather at a festive table. It is this household celebration, held on the day of epiphany, that is called christening. Izvestia tells you how to properly organize a holiday and what to give a boy or a girl for a christening.

What is the essence of baptism?

In Christianity, baptism is considered one of the most important sacraments. Traditionally, it is accompanied by a ritual ablution in water, which is conducted by a priest in the church. In this way, a person is cleansed from original sin and becomes a full-fledged Christian.

The tradition has an ancient history. References to it can be found in the texts of the Old Testament. According to the Holy Scriptures, baptism in the Jordan River was performed by the prophet John the Baptist, or John the Baptist, and later by Jesus Christ, although, according to Christian teaching, he was sinless.

According to church custom, baptism is performed on the 40th day after birth. In exceptional cases, for example, if the child was born sickly and weak, the sacrament is performed earlier. However, the mother of the child is not present in the temple, since the cleansing prayer after childbirth begins to be read only from the 40th day after the birth of the baby.

But the presence of godparents at the baptism is mandatory. They are the ones who renounce Satan for the baby and accept him from the hands of the priest after ablution in the font. In fact, godparents become the child's second parents, they are responsible for his spiritual life and are responsible for the child before God. Godparents are also the first to give gifts to their godchildren — for christenings, birthdays and name days.

Sons' Day in Russia: the history of the touching holiday, how to congratulate a boy and a man

The family holiday is traditionally celebrated on November 22

What to give a boy for his christening

The boy's main recipient is the godfather. Therefore, as a rule, he is supposed to buy a cross for the child. Additionally, you can purchase a pendant with a Guardian Angel, Archangel Michael, an image with the face of the Savior or Nicholas the Wonderworker. And if the child is often ill or was born with some kind of disease, - Panteleimon the Healer, who is considered a defender against various ailments.

Another valuable gift will be a silver spoon or a rattle. By the way, it is also better to choose a silver cross for a child. Silver is not only a hypoallergenic material that has disinfecting properties, but also an important element of religious culture. It is not for nothing that after the birth of Jesus, the magi brought him gifts, among which were silverware, and at Holy Communion they use chalices — special bowls made of this metal.

Other gifts include a children's Bible, illustrated books about the life of Christ, investment coins made of precious metals, or a savings account in a bank. Regardless of age, the boy will also always need things for growth, educational games and toys. Household appliances that will make it easier for parents to take care of their child will also be useful.

What should I give a girl for her christening?

The girl's spiritual receiver is a woman. But there are different opinions about whether a godmother should give a cross to her goddaughter. According to custom, she gets a towel (kryzhma) and baptismal clothes, and the godfather gets a cross. Although there is no strict rule in this regard. Often a cross is given to a boy by his godfather, and to a girl by her godmother. Other relatives can purchase it by agreement.

It is also advisable to purchase an icon depicting the heavenly patroness of the girl, or the image of the Virgin. In addition, you can present a silver or gold chain, a pendant, and older girls can receive earrings or an Orthodox ring. However, any jewelry will be a good gift and a long-term investment for the future.

If the size of the product allows, you can make an engraving on it, which many years later will remind you of the donor. A beautiful box for storing baptismal supplies and baptismal certificates, a set for making an impression of handles and legs, a photo album, hygiene products and soft toys will also be an excellent gift. Adult children will surely be delighted with fashionable things, cosmetics and chocolate sets.

Dad, Mom, Me: How Family Banking Helps with Budgeting and Savings

New banking products are being introduced in Russia

Do they give gifts to adults for christenings

It also happens that some people come to God and are baptized in adulthood. They are responsible for themselves, so they don't have godparents. Although the church does not forbid having spiritual mentors. New Christians are usually congratulated by their friends and family on this serious step.

Traditionally, church literature, home iconostases, icons, and images with a heavenly patron are given for such events, especially if at baptism a person took the name of a saint whom the church honors on this day. In addition, you can present flowers, sweets, honey and other universal gifts, with the exception of strong alcohol.

Earlier, Izvestia told how the sacrament of the baptism of a child takes place in the Orthodox Church.