A very important and sentimental event in any child’s life is his/her christening or baptism. This common Christian religious ceremony is being practiced as a way of welcoming the baby to the Christian world. It is a prepared ceremony called a rite or liturgy by the Christians. Christening baby clothes are being chosen during this day by parents and godparents alike. These clothes are then kept as treasured keepsakes that can be handed down to future generations.
Vital to any baptismal ceremony are christening baby clothes. This practice of donning babies with baptismal clothes was begun during the 17th Century. Prior to this century, babies being baptized are carried to the altar in a “bearing cloth” which is a swaddling cloth made from a large square piece of silk edged with trimmings of gold lace and braid. Come the middle of the 17th Century, babies were freed from these “bearing cloths” and the trend for christening baby clothes has been switched to long flowing gowns. These gowns, which were designed the same way as women’s gowns of that time, were made from silk with a front opening which can either be fastened with ribbon or ties, or left opened to show a petticoat beneath. These gowns are being used by both baby girls and boys.
Christening baby clothes are commonly called christening gowns. These gowns are often made from fine fabric like silk, linen, or cotton and often are colored cream or white. White colored baptismal clothes were more popular with the people’s belief that white gowns symbolize the purity and youth of the infant being baptized. Nevertheless, today’s christening baby clothes come in various colors such as light blue, pink, green, yellow, and peach. These gowns are also being adorned with lace trimmings and other intricate details. Aside from the gown itself, modern christening baby clothes also include christening rompers, bonnets, and bootees, while 17th and 18th Century baptismal clothes featured bibs, head bands, mittens, and pincushion covers or handkerchiefs in embroidered linens.
As was said, christening baby clothes may be passed from generation to generation. Many have kept the tradition of keeping and passing baptism gowns from their children, grandchildren, and even great grandchildren. To accomplish that, though, parents should keep and store these clothes appropriately. To do so, christening gowns should be immediately cleaned after use so as to easily remove dust, dirt, food, and beverages that have clung on the gown. It is also important to religiously follow care instructions on the label to prevent damaging these clothes.
Before storing, make sure that your baby’s christening baby clothes are fully clean and not damaged. Much heat, light and humidity should be avoided in order to preserve these christening gowns. Also, putting your child’s gown inside an heirloom preservation bag will keep it clean and safe from contact with chemicals or other items that may damage or stain the gown.
One of the most cherished and historic costumes of all times, christening baby clothes have survived throughout the centuries. These are treasured heirlooms that can bring nostalgic memories to members of the family and will forever be part of a family’s history.
Martha Gray is a new mum living in Germany. Being a Catholic, Martha celebrated her baby’s christening by choosing the best Babykleidung Taufe that is suitable in welcoming her child in the Christian world.
