Step 1: Having a more detailed look at celebrations – naming ceremonies
The birth of a baby is a huge event. Most of the time the parents and families are very happy. Those families who are religious mark the child’s birth with a religious celebration, such as a baptism. Humanists do no such thing. However, they still want to celebrate the new member of their family and so hold a naming ceremony.
Step 2: Watch
Watch this video which shows how a naming ceremony is held: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIPzuBeIgDg
Step 3: Write
Imagine you are a humanist celebrant. Parents come to you to ask about a humanist naming ceremony for their child. How would you describe this event to them? What kind of questions would you ask them so that you would be able to write your speech? What should the parents prepare? Who should they involve?
Step 4: Planning the event
You are the celebrant in a naming ceremony. Prepare a programme for the day of the event, showing what is going to take place and who the speakers would be.
Step 5: Writing Task
Imagine the day of the naming ceremony and you are the celebrant. What would you say during the ceremony? Write a short speech (a few sentences) to read during the naming ceremony.