Lately, I just attended my cousin’s baptism and I’ve come to realize how painstakingly draining it is to decide on what to prepare and wear for the day. I had to make sure I wasn’t overdressed, underdressed, or even liberal. There was just so much to consider even if I wasn’t the candidate up for baptism.
Knowing that now, based on personal experience, people tend to be greatly uncertain of the type of outfit to wear and things to get ready for certain occasions – with baptisms being no different – there should be some form of guide for such problems.
True, mandatory rules of the Church would require participants of the occasion to wear decent baptismal clothing for the sacramental practice, but what specifically would be the level of decency acceptable? On the other hand, there are also aspects to consider for getting completely ready for the event. But, worry not because I am here to help.
Here are some “Dos and Don’ts” for the Sacrament of Baptism, whether you are the candidate or just simply an attendee.
Do familiarize yourself with dress codes for religious activities. Oftentimes, grooming guidelines for weddings, first communions, and other liturgical ceremonies flexibly applies to each other. Respect should be the first thing in mind when it comes to these kinds of occasions, so wear clothes you’d most likely wear proudly in front of God.
Don’t wear ordinary t-shirts, shorts, and / or miniskirts (for the women). What you wear to the mall or other places isn’t always how we’d call “presentable,” especially for the Church’s standards. Again, show some respect for the place, the people, and the sacrament. Wear something nice, comfy and covered. Wear a blouse or dress instead. It doesn’t even have to be white, unless you’re the one to be baptized.
Do keep it simple. Yes, we have to dress nice for the occasion but that doesn’t mean that the event requires extravagance. Simplicity is a virtue and probably the most beautiful addition to an attire. And c’mon, you don’t expect to go to a baptism looking like Lady Gaga only to get dunked in water, right? Besides being in line with dressing guidelines, you have to be practical and simple when it comes to your clothing choices.
Don’t disregard the bringing of extras. As a tradition, baptism would always equate to water since water symbolizes the washing of sins. This means that the candidate will get wet. Bringing towels to wipe off the wetness is a wise decision. Extra clothes might be needed for the candidates as well, and don’t forget the plastic bags for your wet things. Add the camera in there, too. After all, there’s nothing wrong with documenting special moments in our lives.
Do wear baptismal robes. The safest option you have are the robes for baptisms. Sometimes you can get them at local retailers or have them tailored, but sometimes the Church themselves provide these kinds of clothing – although, I’m not quite sure if they provide adult baptismal robes.
Don’t forget to ask the Church for advice. The best thing you can do is consult the Church. They can help you answer those concerns with ease since they know exactly all there is about the Blessed Sacrament. This is also the most important step when you are the guest of the occasion and you are unfamiliar of the Church’s practices.
Finally, do enjoy the day. What better way to celebrate a rebirth other than rejoicing and giving thanks? Baptism is a reverent day when a person has understood and accepted God into his / her life. At the end of the day, after all the hassle and bustle, all you can do is look back at everything and smile.
Knowing that now, based on personal experience, people tend to be greatly uncertain of the type of outfit to wear and things to get ready for certain occasions – with baptisms being no different – there should be some form of guide for such problems.
True, mandatory rules of the Church would require participants of the occasion to wear decent baptismal clothing for the sacramental practice, but what specifically would be the level of decency acceptable? On the other hand, there are also aspects to consider for getting completely ready for the event. But, worry not because I am here to help.
Here are some “Dos and Don’ts” for the Sacrament of Baptism, whether you are the candidate or just simply an attendee.
Do familiarize yourself with dress codes for religious activities. Oftentimes, grooming guidelines for weddings, first communions, and other liturgical ceremonies flexibly applies to each other. Respect should be the first thing in mind when it comes to these kinds of occasions, so wear clothes you’d most likely wear proudly in front of God.
Don’t wear ordinary t-shirts, shorts, and / or miniskirts (for the women). What you wear to the mall or other places isn’t always how we’d call “presentable,” especially for the Church’s standards. Again, show some respect for the place, the people, and the sacrament. Wear something nice, comfy and covered. Wear a blouse or dress instead. It doesn’t even have to be white, unless you’re the one to be baptized.
Do keep it simple. Yes, we have to dress nice for the occasion but that doesn’t mean that the event requires extravagance. Simplicity is a virtue and probably the most beautiful addition to an attire. And c’mon, you don’t expect to go to a baptism looking like Lady Gaga only to get dunked in water, right? Besides being in line with dressing guidelines, you have to be practical and simple when it comes to your clothing choices.
Don’t disregard the bringing of extras. As a tradition, baptism would always equate to water since water symbolizes the washing of sins. This means that the candidate will get wet. Bringing towels to wipe off the wetness is a wise decision. Extra clothes might be needed for the candidates as well, and don’t forget the plastic bags for your wet things. Add the camera in there, too. After all, there’s nothing wrong with documenting special moments in our lives.
Do wear baptismal robes. The safest option you have are the robes for baptisms. Sometimes you can get them at local retailers or have them tailored, but sometimes the Church themselves provide these kinds of clothing – although, I’m not quite sure if they provide adult baptismal robes.
Don’t forget to ask the Church for advice. The best thing you can do is consult the Church. They can help you answer those concerns with ease since they know exactly all there is about the Blessed Sacrament. This is also the most important step when you are the guest of the occasion and you are unfamiliar of the Church’s practices.
Finally, do enjoy the day. What better way to celebrate a rebirth other than rejoicing and giving thanks? Baptism is a reverent day when a person has understood and accepted God into his / her life. At the end of the day, after all the hassle and bustle, all you can do is look back at everything and smile.
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