Christening Gowns
An infant christening is a time honored tradition, especially for those families who attend a Christian church and believe in God. Part of that tradition is the christening gowns that babies are dressed in commemoration of the event.
Many families have baby christening gowns that are handed down from generation and generation. These infant christening gowns are part of the family history themselves. The use of a baby christening gown is one important way that families keep their history and traditions alive.
Many of these christening gowns that have been handed down through the generations are not gender specific. Both girls and boys alike have worn a white or off white infant christening gown that could be simply adorned with embroidery or lace. Of course, some are more ornate and could be made from silks or fancy linens with intricate detailing work on them.
Of course, part of the tradition of these christening gowns and the infants that wear them is how they are preserved. Sometimes, it is the parent that last used it for their baby who keeps it until it can be handed down. Other times, it is a family’s elder like a grandmother who stores the infant baby christening gown until it is needed.
These days, some families have stepped away from tradition. Now you can find male or female christening baby gowns in a variety of colors and styles. Baby girl christening gowns could be frilly with pretty lace work and ribbons. For a boy, christening gowns may be eschewed for a little suit or romper type outfit more befitting a boy.
Some families choose European christening gowns for infants, especially if they plan to create their own heirlooms and traditions. This is a great option for those people who may not have a family heirloom gown that is passed down from generation to generation. Typically, the christening gowns from Europe are found to be of high quality and made from a variety of material like high thread count cotton, silk, or even linen. The finishing touches such as lace and ribbon tend to deviate from gown to gown.
The bottom line is that christening gowns are an important part of the infant baptism rite of passage. A baptism is a significant even that involves the immediate family and close friends. If you have the opportunity to use a family heirloom gown, take it. Your child would be wearing a piece of your family’s history.
