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Naming/Tree Ceremony
We have this thing we don in our family when ever a new baby is added to the family. We invite all of our family and close friends (usually in the past about 25-30 people show up) and we do a naming ceremony... I think it is of Hebrew origin?
Anyway, at the ceremony we plant a tree chosen for that baby. The father and grandfathers dig the hole and put the tree in and then anyone there can throw the soil back on top. (For my bio DD we planted a river birch as birch trees symbolize grace.) We sing a special family song called, "Welcome to the family." The parents and grandparents do special readings (some are Bible passages, some aren't... just whatever they want to do-- poems they love or have written.) The parents explain why that name was chosen for that child. THen the baby is passed around the circle and everyone whispers a blessing, a special thought, or just his or her name into his/her ear.
Writing it all down right here it seems kind of silly, but it is such a beautiful and special time in our family and I can't wait to do it when we bring home our new baby.
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"You may not see it when it's sticking to your skin, but we're better off for all that we let in." Indigo Girls
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