GONE TO THE CHRISTENING.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 233, 8 December 1916, Page 1 (Supplement)

GONE TO THE CHRISTENING.

MISTRESS ETIQUETTE AT THE FRONT. When Mr. Ktfniwigs, in "Nicholas Nickelby," muffled his street-door knocker with a pair of cheap white kid gloves, he was only following the custom of his time in announcing the advent of a little Keniwigs. That custom is one of the past, as is the "caudle cup" and the "gentlemen's party."

Nowadays we make Kittle fuss over tlie birth of a child, but, for all that, we have cortain points of etiquette which are supopsed to be recognised. It is customary to call and leave cards, or send them, with kind inquiries, .when we hear of "the great event,'' and a popular woman who happens to be the mother usually gets a full posthag. Until she replies" to her friends' inquiries and congratulations, either by sending card.s or by writing notes, she is not suposed to be disturbed.

AT THE CHURCH. In days gone by the christening rite was performed three days after birth. A month is now the more usual time. Those who are iiivited to the ceremany meet at the church, and afterwards proceed to the heme of the little, stranger for the feast. When tho ceremony of christening is carried out as appointed by the Church of England tho child must have godfathers and godmothers. A baby boy has two male sponsors and one female, but the order is reversed for m babygirl, who must have two godmothers and one godfather. It is often a delicate difficulty to select godparents when the family connections are large. Some are offended if overlooked, while others would shirk the honour.

At the church the guests find seats somewhere near the font, flic godmother holds tho child during the first P'.irt of the service and places it on the left arm of the clergyman when he is ready to receive it. The nurse stands on the right of the clergyman ready to tako the infant after its name has been given. The chief godfather ; f supposed to name the child.

PRESENTS ARE GIVEN. Legally, fees cannot bo claimed lor a baptism, but they arc usually piwn, and tlie officiating clergyman is ahvajs invited to the festivity that follow.-, whether it lie,a luncheon or dinner later on.

"Showing round baby" forms part of the home festivities. The infant niaKOS its apvMirance in the anus of the nurse either before or after the in all the splendour of its christening robes, and receive- its presents. Some people ptvfcr to send them afterwards. A favourite present is a silver porringer, which comes in for baby's bread and milk, and, later, serves as a sngarl.awl. Other favourites are the "knife, fork and spoon," a silver mug, a handsome Hible. a (d:r<[ii-'. or shares in particular ioni|>nnies, mines or stock, according to the wealth of the godparents. During the meal the babys' health •s proposed, and a christening cake , inie, ~n ,-,t. dessert. This is nft.ui the top portion of the wedding-cake of the paienls. Mo-t pfoplo who can afford m lie liberal give the nurse a present on this n-easioii- nearly always a pie- 1 of money.