The baptism of a child is a ritual with which many traditions, signs and rituals are associated. This is a very important moment in the life of an Orthodox person, so you need to thoroughly prepare for it.
Orthodox baptismal traditions
First you need to choose godparents for the child. There should not be exactly two of them. If there is only one godfather, he must be of the same sex with his godson, that is, a godfather is needed for a boy, and a mother for a girl, respectively. Often family friends are chosen as godparents, but you should not forget that you need to find an assistant and spiritual mentor for your child, and for life. Therefore, choose reliable and decent people whose contribution to the upbringing of your son or daughter will be positive.
A stepmother or stepfather cannot be godparents, since the physical connection between godfathers and parents is considered a sin, which in the future will also fall on the child. In addition, it is impossible to choose as a godfather both a married couple and people between whom a love relationship is possible / there is. This will not affect the fate of the child in the best way.
Relatives, in turn, are allowed to become godparents. However, they will already begin to help throughout life, and therefore it is advisable to find people who are not related to you. This will give your child great help and protection.
Before baptism, the child's relatives and godparents pass the communion ceremony in the church. The godfather hands over the cross, and the mother hands over a towel and a piece of cloth in which the child is wrapped after baptism.
Baptism of a child: folk signs
If a baptismal ceremony is already planned, it cannot be canceled. This is considered a bad omen among the people. You need to baptize the child in new snow-white clothes. After passing the ceremony, it is not erased. In case the child gets sick, he can be dressed in baptismal clothes so that he recovers faster.
You cannot buy a gold cross for a child. You should not choose a pregnant woman as godparents, otherwise her own baby may be born sickly. If a child cries during baptism, it is believed that evil spirits come out of him.
The baby's face does not need to be dried with a towel. The baptismal water should dry on it by itself. The godparents during the celebration should try all the dishes that are on the table. This is a rich life and abundance of a godson. If there are too many dishes, they need to taste at least one tablespoon of each dish.
A man needs to baptize a girl first, and a woman - a boy, otherwise they will have setbacks in their personal lives. If a wedding took place in the same church before the baptism of your child, this is considered a good omen. Don't argue with the priest about the child's name. Agree to whatever he chooses to be baptized.
The name given during the ceremony cannot be told to anyone. This will help prevent spoilage. A child's baptismal garment should not have anything red. Godparents are not allowed to sit in church. Before baptism, the baby should not be shown to anyone. It is believed that you cannot refuse if you are asked to become a godfather.
Many other traditions are associated with the rite of baptism. Some of them depend on the area in which you live. In addition, the baptismal ceremony is not always carried out in the same way. But no matter how it goes, it is still one of the brightest and most important days for the child, as well as his parents.
