Thursday, May 7, 2009

Choosing the Appropriate Irish Christening Gown

By Shonda Bien

Roots run deep in most Christian communities. It would be hard to find one more rooted in tradition than those of Irish descent. The Irish have traditions for every event and a christening is no different. The christening of a child is a special event steeped in customs and traditions many of which are hundreds of years old. When you combine faith and tradition you have a powerful mix that can create beautiful ceremonies. A christening for a child beginning their journey of faith is no different.

The christening gown of a child of Irish descent is a mixture of faith and tradition. It combines the beauty of a christening with the symbols of Ireland. Together these make a beautiful and often times breathtaking combination sure to meet the demands of tradition and faith. There are many christening gowns out there but an Irish christening gown comes with some specific requirements.

First, it must be of pure white clothing to symbolize purity and innocence as she was first brought into this world. Second, a lot of Irish symbolism must be present. Embroidery of the following must be present: shamrocks, said to have represented the Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Another popular design would be the four-leaf clover, which was said to stand for good luck, hope, faith and love. Another Irish design is the claddaugh. It depicts two hands holding a heart, and this also symbolizes love. Last is the Irish Celtic knot which is often depicted. Third, the cloth used should be comfortable to the skin of the baby. The use of Cluney lace is also very characteristic of an Irish Christening Gown and is highly suggested. Another recommendation is the use of pure Irish linen or lace. Gold trims are common, particularly amongst Catholics, but not a must.

Any christening gown should be comfortable for the infant. While it should be white in color be sure to choose a fabric that is soft again the skin so it wont irritate the delicate skin of a child and cause your little one to become upset and fussy. That would certainly upset and mar a beautiful ceremony. Cluney lace is often found on Irish christening gowns as an adornment while the mail part of the gown is 100% cotton or pure Irish linen. Along with the gown you can find many matching accessories to compliment the outfit. Today companies often sell them together as a set. These sets could include a robe, bonnet, cap or bow. Besides looking adorable in their outfit the added accessories can keep the child warmer if it happens to be on the cooler side or if the location of the ceremony is at an older location with a draft.

Irish christening gowns do not differ much in style or design from boys or girls. Boys gowns tend to not be as frilly and the head gear is style slightly different as well. For boys the simpler the look the better, as you wouldnt want your little boy to be mistake for a girl. Boys gowns tend to have crosses or Celtic knows on their chest while girls embroidery is frillier and found extensively in the bottom part of the gown.

Traditions are always important and very much so in Irish families. If however the idea of a pure white gown leaves feeling a bit dull there is a subtle way to add some color without completely bucking tradition. You can have the symbols such as a cross or shamrock outlined in a pale blue, pin, green or off-white. It keeps with tradition of old yet adds a little kick of color to may you happy too.

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