How to Choose an Irish Christening Gown
The most significant thing to remember on this special day of christening is that your baby is celebrating the most important day of her life. She is about to be part of a covenant with God, and be a part of the whole Christian community as well. Being part of the Irish tradition and customs is also something to remember, so your child needs to look her best.
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.
Christening gowns are traditionally pure white to symbolize innocence and purity. An Irish christening gown tends to have common symbols of Ireland embroidered into the gown. There can be shamrocks which are aid to represent the Holy Trinity, not to be confused with the four-leaf clover thought to bring good luck, love, faith and hope. There is also the Celtic knot which looks like a circular braid. Not so common is the claddaugh, which is a pair of hands holding a heart between them usually with a crown sitting atop the heart. The heart stands for love, the crown loyalty and the heart friendship.
Some Irish christening gowns also come with a robe, or a bow and a bonnet. These are not only for fashion purposes but for practical as well. Scout the area days before the baptism is going to be held. Will the place be cold? Will there be a lot of people or just a few select friends and family? Remember that your baby is still delicate and is pretty much sensitive to everything. If the christening ceremony is going to be held at a place where you think your baby will not be that comfortable, do get an Irish christening dress that comes with robe or a bonnet, as this will protect your child from the weather and will make her feel warm and cozy all throughout the celebration.
Both boys and girls do wear christening gowns but that doesnt mean that your little boy has to look like a girl. They can be very similar and you may still have some that mistake your little boy for a girl. When looking for a little boys Irish christening gown watch for those with less lace and frills. Also look at the symbols embroidered into the design. Boys gown tend to look simpler and cleaner in design. The symbols are also found on the chest area usually instead of all throughout the gown.
Although the traditional Irish christening gown is made of pure white, if you want to put in some color, you can do so with the embroidery threads. Go for light green or off white for the shamrocks and clovers, and a light-blue for the Irish Celtic cross.
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