Baptism is a great sacrament, one of the most important rituals in the life of every Christian. Of course, in order for it to pass without unnecessary worries and unpleasant surprises, you should prepare for it in advance.
In this article we will talk about the preparation for baptism, in particular about the choice of a set for the baptism of the baby, we will tell what is included in the baptismal set, what are the different sets of baptisms for the girl and the boy.
How to choose children's christening sets?
When choosing a baptismal set, first of all you should pay attention to the age of the person being baptized. For babies are sold special ready-made sets for baptism, older children can pick up the necessary things separately, by combining the set yourself.
In many regions, there is a tradition of storing the baptismal set throughout the life of a person, and in some even pass the baptismal clothes by inheritance (for example, this was done in royal and royal families). All things in the baptismal set should be made of safe and high-quality materials, do not injure the baby's skin and do not cause irritation or allergic reactions. Making a choice between several variants of sets, give preference to products from natural materials of the known manufacturer. You can even order the creation of an individual baptismal set - for this, learn the addresses of the workshops in your city or contact and talk with the masters who provide services of this kind.
Despite the fact that many manufacturers make separate lines of children's baptismal sets for boys and girls, in general, they often differ only in the color of the main fabric or finishes - pink colors are chosen for girls, and boys are more often bought sets in blue shades. If you wish, you can buy a real white tuxedo for the boy, and for the girl - a fabulous lush dress. Although such kits are not very appropriate in the church - to baptize a baby is better in the simplest white shirt made of flax or cotton. Lush outfits you can leave for a family celebration - there they will be just right.
Be sure to pay attention to the convenience of shirts, pinets and bonnet - all this should be comfortable, do not rub and easily remove. The abundance of buttons, fasteners or tight elastic bands is undesirable, since you will have to undress and dress a child in the church quickly.
What is included in the baptismal set?
The most important element of the baptismal set is, of course, a cross. Usually his choice and purchase is done by the godfather. It has become a tradition to buy golden crosses with fine trimming for the child, although, of course, any Christian cross for christening is suitable. If you can not choose it yourself, go to the church shop and ask for advice, you will definitely be shown several options and choose the one that is most suitable for you.
The second element of the set is the christening shirt. It must be white, which is a symbol of purity and innocence. Finish is light-blue or light pink in color. Shirt - this is the first clothes that a child will wear after bathing in a font, so it should be sewn from a quality, safe and soft fabric.
In addition, the baptismal kit also includes booties, kosyachka (or cap) and a diaper or towel (kryzhma).
Finishing of the headdress, shirts and pinets should be elegant, festive, beautiful - thin lace, satin and lace, elegant ribbons, discreet embroidery. But avoid excesses - flashy luxury or excessive amount of jewelry is inappropriate, because baptism is a holiday of purity of spirit and body, the day when the child is freed from all sins.
When choosing a baptismal set, pay attention to the season when the rite will be held. In the summer, a thin towel is suitable, and for winter you may need an extra warm blanket to wrap up the crumb at the end of the baptism. In the room where the ritual is performed, it is usually quite warm, and worry about the fact that a baby can catch a cold, it's not worth it.