Christening Gowns – Keeping with Tradition

By choosing a Christening gown for your baby, you're carrying on a tradition that has been a custom for the Christian ritual of Baptism since the Victorian era. Infants and small children wear this special garment during a baptism or dedication ceremony. The gown has been traditionally white in colour with a long flowing skirt falling from a short tucked bodice, low neck, and short sleeves. Wearing white clothing symbolizes “newness of life” in Christ. Both boys and girls wear Christening gowns.

The original Christening gowns were typically lavish and elegant; made of silk or satin and adorned with elaborate lace and embroidery. Matching bonnets, bibs, and bootees completed the ensemble. These gowns were typically handmade in the 18 th century and became a family heirloom that was often passed down from one generation to another.

By the 19 th century, Christening gowns progressed to shorter dresses and were usually made of fine white linen or cotton fabric. Trim included tucks, lace, embroidery, whitework, and other handwork. Many of these traditional styles and handwork are seen in today's Christening gowns.

Modern Christening gowns have kept much of the old customs and have adopted new fabrics, embellishment, and styles. The most popular colour is still white, signifying purity, innocence, and new life. Silk, satin, linen, and cotton gowns are still made today. New fabrics like taffeta and organza have been adopted into the fashion. Today's styles are still elegant with embellishments of lace, embroidery, cutouts, sequins, beading, and other delicate trimmings.

Though there have been new styles adopted for boys, many families still choose a traditional Christening gown for their infant boys.

Your baby's Baptism is a much anticipated celebration for the entire family. Wearing a very special Christening outfit ensures that your baby will look their best for the occasion, especially for the many photographs that will be taken. Feel free to browse our website to find the perfect outfit. We offer a wide selection of Christening gowns, hats, booties, and accessories. To learn how to choose a Christening gown click here to read the article.

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Sweet Ones Boutique
24 Industry Street ,
Aurora , Ontario
Tel: 905-503-0808
Email: [email protected]