Dedicated to the Ones I Love

Instead of holding baptisms, most Unitarian Universalist congregations have a ceremony of child dedication for their youngsters. On this Sunday, we stood with our children in front of our congregation for a blessing ceremony. Both of the children were blessed with the elements of earth, air, fire (a symbolic flame), and water, as well as with their names. Here’s some of the text that was read aloud during the name-blessing portion:

Olivia Maren
I bless you with your names. Olivia comes from the olive tree, the symbol of fruitfulness, beauty and dignity. An olive branch is a symbol for peace. Maren is a variant of Mary meaning “star of the sea.”

Reed Elian
I bless you with your names. Reed of Old English origin means “red,” and Elian was chosen because it reflected his Puerto Rican, Japanese and American heritage. It is also a form of Elijah.

We want to thank all those in attendance who affirmed that they would lead and nurture our children and their spiritual wanderings and wonderments. Blessed be, indeed.