Discover The History Of Christening Baby Wear

By Martha Gray


Among the many important occasions in any child's life is his/her christening. Christening or baptism is one of the rites or liturgies of the Christian religion that is being practiced as a way of welcoming the baby to the Christian world. Parent and godparents during this time take time in selecting christening baby clothes which eventually will become treasured heirlooms that can be passed to future generations.
Christening baby clothes are essential parts of any baptismal ceremony. The 17th century marked the evolution of christening baby clothes and has further evolved through the years. Before the said century, babies were only wrapped in swaddling clothes during baptismal. The babies wrapped with swaddling clothes are carried to the altar in a "bearing cloth" which is a large square piece of silk edged with trimmings of gold lace and braid. By the middle of the 17th century, babies were freed from swaddling at an earlier age. During this year the trend for christening baby clothes have shifted toward the long flowing gowns which until today are quite popular among parents. In its earliest form, christening baby clothes are made of white silk which have a front opening fastened with ribbon ties or left to open to show a petticoat beneath. The designs applied to the women's' gowns during the period were the same ones used in designing the baptismal clothes. Back then, baby boys and girls wore the same set of clothes for the ceremony.

Christening baby clothes are commonly referred to as christening gowns. These gowns are often made from fine fabric such as silk, linen, or cloth. Though not mandatory, christening gowns are often colored either white or cream. White christening gowns were made popular with the belief that white colored 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 clothes are also being adorned further with lace trimming and other
Christening baby clothes are commonly referred to as christening gowns. These gowns are often made from fine fabric such as silk, linen, or cloth. Though not mandatory, christening gowns are often colored either white or cream. White christening gowns were made popular with the belief that white colored 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 clothes are also being adorned further with lace trimming and other intricate details, while other modern baptismal clothes also include christening rompers, bonnets and bootees. 17th and 18th Century christening clothes, on the other hand, featured bibs, head bands, mittens, and pincushion covers or handkerchiefs in embroidered linen.

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.

In storing the christening gown, one must make first make sure that it is thoroughly cleaned and damage-free. It must also be stored in an area where there is not much heat, light, and humidity. It is recommended that these baptismal clothes be stored in heirloom preservation bags to keep them clean and safe from contact with chemicals or other items that may damage or stain them.

Christening baby clothes are one of the most cherished and preserved historic costumes that have survived through the years. This is an heirloom that can be passed down from generation to generation and can become an important part of a family's history.




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