The Importance Of Christening Gowns In Irish Culture

By Author: HM Creations
Total Articles: 6
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Representing a wonderful new cycle of life, an Irish baby’s christening is a joyful celebration of purity and joy, and a way for families to come together and rejoice.

A ceremony that welcomes a child becoming a part of a family’s Catholic or Christian faith, infant baptism or christening is a centuries-old tradition that began between the second and third century AD, and which grew in both popularity and significance following Saint Patricks 5th century arrival in Ireland and his conversion of the Irish people to Christianity.

The Importance of Christening Gowns in Irish Culture

The christening gown has always played a significant role in Irish baptisms and is traditionally white, a colour that symbolizes innocence, purity and oneness with God. In an old Irish custom, gowns were made from fabric or lace from a bridal veil or gown.

Girls would wear three white dresses in the Catholic tradition, symbolizing the three major sacraments in the Church: her christening or baptism, her communion and her wedding. Using the same fabric to make both wedding and christening gowns ...
... is a strong representation of family ties, and over the centuries, has come to symbolize strength and unity between generations.

In some Irish families, a small piece of the christening gown was used in the creation of a wedding gown for the child, while other families choose to make the gown an heirloom, and pass it down from generation to generation. This is one of the most common Irish family traditions and one that is held sacred by many.

From Beautiful Christening Gown, to Cherished Family Heirloom

Forming an integral part of Irish cultural heritage, baptismal gowns are often preserved and handed down from one generation to the next, as much loved and cherished family heirlooms.

Today, centuries on from the tradition of cutting up wedding gowns to make christening gowns from, modern Irish mothers are choosing to invest in finely made christening gowns that they can dress their baby in (most are unisex so can be worn by either a boy or a girl), and pass down through the generations, as a treasured heirloom and important piece of family history. In Irish families with many children, it’s usually the oldest girl who will inherit the precious christening gown, which she will then go on to use when she has children of her own.

Connecting anyone of Irish descendants to their rich, cultural past, Irish christening gowns are so much more than a beautiful item of clothing to dress a baby in for its baptism; they are symbols of unity, faith and purity, and preserving them for future generations is an act of kindness, solidarity and respect.

Baptismal clothing and white christening dress by Helen Marie are handmade in Ireland, in the beautiful County Galway. With a variety of designs that are suitable for both boys and girls, each baptism gown has been painstakingly crafted from 100% Irish linen, satin or lace. Embroidered with delicate and intricate Celtic designs, each of our christening outfits tells a unique and memorable tale.

For more details about Baby Baptism, visit Hmcreations.us