All people face such an important moment in life as baptism. This mysterious moment occupies an important place in the life of an Orthodox person. It is necessary to prepare for baptism in advance. What clothes are needed? What is required from godparents? What is the purpose of a christening gown, where can I get one? The main thing is to approach the solution of the tasks sensibly and orderly.
What is required for baptism
In most cases, christenings are held for children under 1 year of age. Baptism of a child requires great responsibility, many mothers are very worried and fussy. Before running to church after the birth of a baby, you should find out what to take with you. Clothes for a child's christening include:
- Pectoral cross;
- Christening attire;
- Kryzhma.
First of all, you need to get a pectoral cross - the most important thing in the christening ceremony. According to tradition, it is bought by the future godfather, and the clothes for the christening - by the godmother. Clothes for the christening of babies should be made of soft fabrics, comfortable, pleasant to the baby's body. As for the cross, it is better to buy a silver one. Silver is considered a pure metal. The cross is bought in the church itself or in the store. It is worth remembering that the crosses available at the church have undergone the rite of consecration, but the store-bought ones must be consecrated in advance. Do not forget about the baptismal cloak. Without it, the christening will not take place. Sometimes parents buy a special bag for the baby's cut hair or a Bible with a satin cover for the ceremony.
For boys
The baptism of a boy, first of all, involves choosing a good godfather, who will become an example of a real man, a strong and strong-willed person. It is worth approaching the choice seriously, since the godfather should not disappear from the godson's life, but, on the contrary, become his support and support. A godmother for a boy is a second mother who should be able to give advice and treat with understanding.
In addition to spiritual things, you need to prepare clothes for the boy's christening and all accessories. A boy for christening should have:
- Kryzhma;
- Christening gown;
- White blanket;
- Bonnet, socks (optional).
The christening robe includes a shirt, cap and socks. It is a relic and should not be used in everyday life. It is a memento of the sacred day.
For girls
The main attributes of christening are the same: a cross, a baptismal robe and an outfit. But what the outfit includes, what kind of cross should be for a girl and for a boy – these are different things.
The christening set for a girl includes:
- Christening gown or shirt;
- Cap;
- Booties;
- Additional items: bib, tights.
The material of all christening clothes for a girl should be natural and pleasant to the body, not cause allergies. It is important to choose clothes for the season. The child should not be hot or cold.
It is considered a good omen if the clothes are light-colored. And if the godmother is a needlewoman, then the things she sews will be especially valuable. According to old signs, such clothes will bring happiness to the goddaughter.
For adults
Not everyone is baptized in childhood. Parents may be atheists or believe that the child should choose his own faith. Many adults come to church to be baptized. For the christening ceremony you will need:
- Christening gown;
- Towel;
- Open slippers;
- A pectoral cross on a chain or rope.
Clothes and towels should preferably be white, but light colors are allowed. Men will need a long shirt, and women - a long shirt with sleeves or a dress. Clothes are bought specifically for christening, they are not worn or washed in everyday life. It is believed that clothes for a child's christening, after the ceremony, can help a person (its owner) with serious illnesses.
Many people say that a pectoral cross should be gold. Church officials say that it is better to buy a silver or wooden cross. When the priest puts a cross on the baptized person, it should not be removed without necessity. Shoes must be open so that the feet are visible.
As for women's attire, the clothes should be modest, clean, without excesses. The head must be covered. This speaks of humility before God. There should be no cosmetics or jewelry during the ceremony. If the girl has started her period, the baptism is postponed. It is necessary to choose a suitable day. It is worth wearing a bathing suit under the shirt. When the girl is immersed in water, the shirt gets wet and shines through. For the baptism of adults, it is not necessary to be baptized, but it is recommended.
What is a kryzhma?
Kryzhma is one of the main attributes of the baptism of a boy and a girl. Kryzhma is a white lacy diaper in which the baby is wrapped after the baptismal font. The child's name and the date of the baptism are often embroidered in the corner. It must be white. For the church, this color signifies the purity of the soul and its sinlessness.
Instead of a baptismal robe, you can simply take a white cloth or towel. After the miraculous ritual, it is kept for life and is not passed from one person to another. This is a memory that will remind the baptized person of the mysterious ritual.
The baptismal christening cloth measures 90 x 90 cm. It has lace that adds solemnity and elegance to the simple white diaper. You can buy a terry baptismal christening cloth, which will come in handy during the cool season. Pay attention to the combination of the diaper and the christening outfit. It looks elegant and beautiful if the baptismal christening cloth and the outfit are the same color.
Additional accessories
Additional accessories for christening include baby booties. If you choose them in the same tone as the christening outfit, they will perfectly complement the image. A bib is also considered an auxiliary accessory. On this special day, the suit should look perfect. A bib will help protect the suit from any stains. Napkins for candles may also be needed. Usually, two are bought - for the godfather and godmother.
Recently, accessories have appeared: a hair bag, a Bible cover, and a baptism certificate. The attributes are created to help you remember the baptism ritual as much as possible. After all, it happens once in a lifetime.
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