Harrison's Naming Ceremony

What is a naming ceremony?

A naming ceremony is a non-religious alternative to ceremonies such as christening. The purpose is to recognise and celebrate the arrival of a child and welcome him in the family and circle of friends. The structure often reflects that of more traditional naming ceremonies, with a formal ceremony in which the parents name godparents. This is often followed by a celebratory party.

For Harrison's naming ceremony we assigned Jennifer and Katy as godmothers to Harrison. We also explained Harrison's name and, as the parents, made promises to him. At the end of the ceremony we went to Duke's restaurant to celebrate.

While this ceremony did not include religion, it does not mean we wouldn't support religion in his life. It does mean that we want him to chose his own path, instead of it being chosen for him. 💙

Harrison's Naming Ceremony

Welcome and introduction (KURT)

We want to thank everyone for coming today. We are here today to celebrate Harrison's birth. A naming ceremony is an opportunity to celebrate together the arrival of someone very special. Our ceremony will be short. We plan on doing a few readings, say some words about Harrison and make promises to him.

Reading (SARAH)

The prophet (extract) by Kahlil Gibran

And a woman who held a babe against her bosom said, speak to us of children. And he said: 

Your children are not your children.

They are the sons and daughters 

of Life’s longing for itself. 

They come through you 

but not from you. 

And though they are with you 

yet they belong not to you. 

You may give them your love 

but not your thoughts, 

For they have their own thoughts, 

You may house their bodies 

but not their souls

For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, 

which you cannot visit

not even in your dreams. 

You may strive to be like them,

but seek not to make them like you, 

for life goes not backward

nor tarries with yesterday. 

You are simply the bows from which your children

as living arrows are sent forth. 

(Pan Books, 1923.)

Announcing the name (KURT)

We would like to introduce you all to Harrison James Snyder. Harrison was born on Redacted at 2:07am at Tripler Army Medical Center surrounded by the love of both his parents and grandmother Virginia. We named him after Harrison Garner Garrett, his great great grandfather, who served as a Marine in World War One after being turned down by the army for poor eyesight. Harrison Garrett refused the rejection of one branch of service. Serving his country was so great a desire that he found a way to serve even when it was thought impossible. Harrison James is also named after James Edward Snyder, his great-grandfather, who served as an Army green beret during the Vietnam war. The men who held and hold these names are great in their dedication to family and country. We hope that Harrison James learns many lessons from his namesakes . The name Harrison means son of Henry. Henry means ruler. James means supplanter. We hope that this means Harrison will grow to be a strong leader who is not afraid to break or question the rules when he sees fit. 

Parents promise (SARAH)

We would now like to take this opportunity to make several promises to Harrison as his parents. We want to first give thanks for this beautiful baby who has chosen us as his parents. You are the most precious gift we have ever received. You have already given us the gifts of patience and resilience as we navigate these newfound waters of parenthood. 

It is not easy to put into words how great our desire for you was and is. You are our greatest joy. A light in our lives for which all others will be compared. We cannot think of our lives before you and we don't want to, so great is our joy. Hard was the journey to receive you which makes your arrival so much sweeter. Our greatest fear is giving you a life you hate and so we will make certain promises to you here and now. 

We promise to nurture your curiosity for life. We promise to teach you enthusiasm for the new and different. We promise to teach you to be courageous when all hope seems lost. 

The world you will grow to live in is uncertain but we promise to give you warmth and shelter all the days of your life. You will be safe with us no matter the identity you hold, the thoughts you keep, or the opinions you share. Your dreams and desires will become our dreams and desires and we will do everything in our power to help you achieve them. 

We promise to raise you in a kind, tolerant and patient environment in the hopes that you will better the world in some way. We promise that our comfort, support, and friendship will be infinite. You will always be able to come to us in your hour of need and we hope that you do. 

Harrison James, we did not know how empty our lives were until you showed your beautiful face and filled our hearts with a love more radiant than anything we could have ever imagined. Thank you for choosing us to be your parents. We will endeavor to deserve you every day of our lives.

Godparents promise (KURT)

We would like to ask Jennifer and Katy to come forward. We have asked you to be his godmothers as you are his aunts and love him unconditionally and so deeply. We have chosen you as Harrison's guardians and protectors in this life if we are ever unable to. We ask you now to seal this bond by making vows to Harrison. 

[Jennifer and Katy read what they wrote]

Giving of haku lei to the godmothers. (KURT & SARAH)

We will now recognize the great commitment that Jennifer and Katy have made to Harrison by presenting them with a haku lei and pendant. The haku lei is a wreath of flowers that Harrison will place on each of his Aunties heads to remind them that their commitment is for all eternity. Just as a circle has no end, even in death they will always be his godmothers. The fresh orchids within the wreath represent love, beauty, and strength which are qualities reflected in the power of this commitment. May this beautiful bond, forged in love, never be broken. 

The white color of their clothes and of the flowers represents the purity of their intentions and the sacredness of their vows. Harrison will now place a haku lei on each godmother's head, sealing their bond. 

Harrison will now give each godmother a necklace that has a silver circle with a pearl hovering in the middle. The circle theme continues in silver, a hard metal that cannot be broken or tarnished easily. The pearl, a white orb perfect in its natural form is a reminder of Harrison's birthplace as well as a symbol of our hope for the bond to remain strong and pure. May these symbols remind the godmothers of their commitment to Harrison and to think of him and guide him on his journey through life. 

A plaque is given to each godmother so that she might reflect on it and remember her promises. 

The Final Gift (SARAH)

Finally, Harrison has one last gift to give. This gift is in memory of Sofia Maria Brandon whose life was short, at only 33 weeks of life. Often, people ignore or can't understand the value of such a life. It was so short it seems easily forgotten. This could not be further from the truth. When we look up in the heavens at night we take for granted the glittering stars that shine brightly day after day. Instead, our eyes are drawn to those that shine brightly and quickly. Sofia was a shooting star, a light that burned so brightly and so quickly that all who saw her and knew her were instantly touched by her grace and beauty. May Sofia's memory always be a reminder to Harrison that he make his life spectacular with as much meaning and purpose as Sofia's. 

The gift Harrison gives to Patricia and Ken is that of 8 lanterns. These lanterns each represent one month of Sofia's life. They should be used at dusk on a beach of your choosing. When you light each one and slowly let it rise in the sky, make a wish for your future.

Song (SARAH)

Sarah sings Phil Collins You'll Be In My Heart

Group invited to sing with her

Come stop your crying It will be alright

Just take my hand, hold it tight

I will protect you, from all around you

I will be here, don't you cry

For one so small, You seem so strong

My arms will hold you

Keep you safe and warm

This bond between us, can't be broken

I will be here don't you cry

(Chorus)

Cause you'll be in my heart

Yes, you'll be in my heart

From this day on

Now and forever more

You'll be in my heart

No matter what they say

You'll be here in my heart

Always

Why can't they understand

The way we feel?

They just don't trust

What they can't explain

I know we're different but, deep inside us

We're not that different at all

And you'll be in my heart

Yes you'll be in my heart

From this day on

Now and forever more

Don't listen to them

Cause what do they know

We need each other

To have, to hold

They'll see in time

I know

When destiny calls you

You must be strong

I may not be with you

But you've got to hold on

They'll see in time

I know

We'll show them together

Cause you'll be in my heart

Believe me you'll be in my heart

I'll be there

From this day on

Now and forever more

Ooo... you'll be in my heart

(you'll be here in my heart)

No matter what they say

You'll be here in my heart

I'll be there

Always

Always

I'll be with you

I'll be there for you always

Always and always

Just look over your shoulder

Just look over your shoulder

Just look over your shoulder

I'll be there always

Toast (SARAH)

Please join us in raising a toast to Harrison. 

To Harrison James: may life's richest joys be yours. May you grow to be happy and healthy and live life to the fullest. Remember that "You can be a guiding star

If you make the most of who you are"

-Benjamin Hoff