Traditions of a baby baptism

The Baptism is the most important of the seven sacraments (baptism, communion, confession, chrismation, matrimony, extreme unction), which is a cult action through which "the immense grace of God is announced to believers in a visible form", and symbolizes the acceptance of a person into the bosom of the Christian Church.   Founded by John the Baptist at the beginning of the era, this rite came to the territory of Ruthenia at the end of the tenth century, along with the introduction of Christianity by Prince Volodymyr.

The ritual of baptism consists either in immersing the baby in a font (in Orthodoxy), or in sprinkling the baby with water (in Catholicism). The protestant churches usually baptize adults. During the ritual, the child is also given a Christian name and a corresponding guardian angel.

In order to perform the rite, godparents are chosen, who are eventually equated with relatives (godfather, godmother), who are given great honour and at the same time responsibility for the spiritual development of the child. Biological parents are not allowed to participate in the sacrament of baptism. 

Before the rite, the godparents should fast, and undergo confession and communion in order to be admitted to this sacrament having been circumcised.  Also, the godparents are required to know the Lord's Prayer and the Creed Prayer. The godparents should not be married and further intimate relations between them are strictly prohibited.

Traditionally, the baptismal Cross is given by the godfather, and the baptismal clothing and the christening shirt for babies shall be given by the godmother.  Other attributes (a towel for the priest, a bag for cut hair, napkins for candles, the candles themselves, a commemorative album, etc.) are given upon agreement. The towel for the priest should be left in the church, and the cross, baptismal clothing, and shirt become family heirlooms and amulets and shall be kept by parents together with the veil, wedding wreath, wedding towels, and wedding glasses, throughout life.

Traditionally, the godparents and native parents, as a sign of honour, exchange symbolic memorable gifts (a handmade angel doll for an infant, a headscarf for the godmother, pillows or towels dedicated to the "Godfather", "Godfather", etc.)

After the ceremony is completed, a holiday feast is held in an already bigger family circle.