Baptismal gown for boys

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Feanor

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Hi guys,

First of all my wife and I do not yet know the sex of my child but will soon. I do have an issue that I know you guys at the Traditional forum could help me with as I can’t find anything on the net. I do not regularly attend the EF but I am traditionally minded in my opinion.

And so, I don’t want my son- if it will be a son- to wear pants at his baptism. I like the gown things like I have seen in the Godfather movie. All of the outfits for boys have pants and AAGHH sometimes bow ties!!

Any thoughts? Did boys wear pants in the old days?
 
Feanor said:
Hi guys,

First of all my wife and I do not yet know the sex of my child but will soon. I do have an issue that I know you guys at the Traditional forum could help me with as I can’t find anything on the net. I do not regularly attend the EF but I am traditionally minded in my opinion.

And so, I don’t want my son- if it will be a son- to wear pants at his baptism. I like the gown things like I have seen in the Godfather movie. All of the outfits for boys have pants and AAGHH sometimes bow ties!!

Any thoughts? Did boys wear pants in the old days?
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AFAIK, the little white suit is a recent thing (20-25 years). DH and I were both baptized in gowns, back in 1949 & 1953. My children (girl, 2 boys) all wore gowns.

That said, it doesn’t really matter, it’s the “white garment” that counts, it really doesn’t matter if it’s a gown or pants and shirt, the significance is in the color, not the style. But many boys are still baptized in gowns, particularly when it’s a family heirloom or one that is destined to become a heirloom. Go with what you like.
 
No. We did not. I was baptized in 1951 in a gown. Oldest son was baptized in my gown in 1981. Youngest son was baptized in my gown in 1984. My grandmother and my great-aunt made that gown. My mother was one of four and her oldest brother inherited the “ancestral” gown. A new tradition was started. (My MIL did not convert until after DW was born and so there is no tradition there. DW tells me that both of her brothers were baptized in gowns as was she except that she didn’t know what happened to the gown).

As a member of a cathedral choir, I have seen male infants baptized in white shorts. white shirt, white coat and bow ties. I have one word to say for that…Blech! Short, succinct, and to the point. I mean no disrespect to those who chose that but here in south Louisiana we hold fast to our traditions. One is baptized in a gown. TRADITION!
 
My niece’s son is the latest addition to our rather extensive family. He was baptized last weekend in the family gown - complete with slip My father and his two brothers wore it. I was fourth in line for it. Thirteen others in my generation used it - the twins had to share - one got the gown the other wore the slip. It got to many in the next generation, but probably not all. It is now over 100 years old and getting fragile as it serves the fourth generation.
 
Joe_Kelley said:
My niece’s son is the latest addition to our rather extensive family. He was baptized last weekend in the family gown - complete with slip My father and his two brothers wore it. I was fourth in line for it. Thirteen others in my generation used it - the twins had to share - one got the gown the other wore the slip. It got to many in the next generation, but probably not all. It is now over 100 years old and getting fragile as it serves the fourth generation.
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That’s what I’m talking about. I don’t know the technical sewing terms but my grandmother and her sister put in an awful lot of time hand-sewing and embroidering my gown. Not at all uncommon here in south Louisiana. I can count on less than one hand the number of times I’ve seen a male baby in a suit in 19 years of singing in a cathedral choir. It looks “odd” in light of all the ancestral gowns and caps in abundance here.
 
I can’t imagine a newborn in a tie, but whatever.

There are little albs to put over the normal clothes. I don’'t know how I was baptized. I can’t remember, and my sister wore the traditional dress.

I think the gown is nice. But diplomacy is good too. If it will ridicule the sacrament before your more impious and ignorant family members then maybe better not for their sake.

I dunno…think about it.
 
One practical point.

It’s been a few years but I remember that the babies don’t start out wearing thier Baptism clothes. We put the gown (yes, gown, two boys) on at some point during the service. After the pouring, I think. A gown is much easier to put on than pants and shirt - let alone tie. 😃
 
Little boys 150 years ago wore dresses until they were in knickers because it made it a lot easier to potty train them and change their diapers. 😉 And no, I wasn’t around for that.

If you should be blessed with a son, there was many lovely GOWNS that are equal opportunity. However, you can have him immersed nekkid or wearing a onesie. One of my brothers wore a plaid shirt with little shorts. It doesn’t matter. You want a gown, go for a gown. The sacrament is what’s important.
 
This has been very helpful everyone thanks,

I have been able to find baptismal gowns through Ireland- of the unisex variety which I prefer. This seems to be the most prominent source nowadays. My mother will be purchasing it and I hope to begin a small tradition myself.

Many or most do have celtic crosses or shamrocks embroidered. Neither of us has a strong irish background but it should be fine as I do have great respect for the Irish Church. Perhaps God is pointing me towards a patron saint for my new child!

Thanks for helping me avoid the little pants!
 
In my family, 4 generations have been baptized in the same gown. It was hand made in Ireland for my grandmother and sent here. She wore it, her 2 kids wore it, my 4 brothers and I wore it and all 3 of my kids wore it.

My oldest was married earlier this year, so who knows . . . maybe 5 generations will eventually wear it.
 
KCT said:
In my family, 4 generations have been baptized in the same gown. It was hand made in Ireland for my grandmother and sent here. She wore it, her 2 kids wore it, my 4 brothers and I wore it and all 3 of my kids wore it.

My oldest was married earlier this year, so who knows . . . maybe 5 generations will eventually wear it.
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How beautiful!!

babies R us, believe it or not, has alot of very nice gowns, usually in the spring, and many are very plain and simple, not ‘girly’. Also, Macy’s has nice gowns.
I’m sure you could even look on your local craigslist and commission someone to make a nice gown that ‘suits’ your tastes! 🙂
 
Corki said:
One practical point.

It’s been a few years but I remember that the babies don’t start out wearing thier Baptism clothes. We put the gown (yes, gown, two boys) on at some point during the service. After the pouring, I think. A gown is much easier to put on than pants and shirt - let alone tie. 😃
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While that is certainly what the Rite envisions – the baptismal garment is presented to the child after the immersion/pouring and anointing – it varies from parish to parish. All of mine were baptized in the gown and the priest simply touched it as he spoke the words “See in this white garment…” but in my present parish the child is baptized wearing regular clothes (pouring) or naked (immersion) then the garment is presented and the child is taken away to be dressed and brought back for the Presentation of the Light and the Ephpheta Rite. Older children are dressed in albs after baptism.

Some parishes present the child with a small bib (I can’t think of a less garment-like item and minimal symbol) at the time of the Presentation of the White Garment but the Rite (at least the one we use) encourages the family to provide the white garment.
 
yellowbicycle said:
How beautiful!!

babies R us, believe it or not, has alot of very nice gowns, usually in the spring, and many are very plain and simple, not ‘girly’. Also, Macy’s has nice gowns.
I’m sure you could even look on your local craigslist and commission someone to make a nice gown that ‘suits’ your tastes! 🙂
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In some circles it’s traditional to cut down the bridal gown to make the baptismal gown for the first child. Unfortunately DD’s gown was “champagne” so not appropriate for the ‘white garment’. Luckily, I have a friend who will make the gown for my grandchildren as I have made the baptismal candle (9"X3" beeswax pillar with the appropriate designs) for each of her grandchildren.
 
brotherhrolf said:
No. We did not. I was baptized in 1951 in a gown. Oldest son was baptized in my gown in 1981. Youngest son was baptized in my gown in 1984. My grandmother and my great-aunt made that gown. My mother was one of four and her oldest brother inherited the “ancestral” gown. A new tradition was started. (My MIL did not convert until after DW was born and so there is no tradition there. DW tells me that both of her brothers were baptized in gowns as was she except that she didn’t know what happened to the gown).

As a member of a cathedral choir, I have seen male infants baptized in white shorts. white shirt, white coat and bow ties. I have one word to say for that…Blech! Short, succinct, and to the point. I mean no disrespect to those who chose that but here in south Louisiana we hold fast to our traditions. One is baptized in a gown. TRADITION!
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Amen to this! My three brothers and I were all baptized wearing baptismal gowns, as were all of my nephews. I guess there isn’t anything wrong with baptizing a baby wearing a white coat and bow tie (except bad taste), but what is the point? The baby isn’t the best man at a wedding or anything and certainly doesn’t need to wear formal dining clothes to impress the ladies. Go with the gown! It’s more comfortable for the baby, it’s easier for the parents to dress the baby and probably cheaper to buy, it has a religious sense to it, and it can be passed down to the next generation when your son or daughter is ready to baptize his or her child.
 
Feanor said:
This has been very helpful everyone thanks,

I have been able to find baptismal gowns through Ireland- of the unisex variety which I prefer. This seems to be the most prominent source nowadays. My mother will be purchasing it and I hope to begin a small tradition myself.

Many or most do have celtic crosses or shamrocks embroidered. Neither of us has a strong irish background but it should be fine as I do have great respect for the Irish Church. Perhaps God is pointing me towards a patron saint for my new child!

Thanks for helping me avoid the little pants!
Click to expand...
I am Irish American and the gowns of which I speak are Irish American gowns. My family immigrated before Black '47. No Celtic crosses or shamrocks on our gowns. Lace work aplenty. Intricate lace work. The gown does not speak male or female. The gown speaks family, tradtion, heritage.

My cousin has the ancestral gown from Ireland. I have no doubt that she would share it. She was born the day before me to the oldest son in the family. I am content knowing that my grandmother and my great-aunt made my gown and that both of my sons were baptized in it.

Baptism is a lot of things. The bottom line is a new soul redeemed for Christ. I can only hope that when my two great mugs decide to settle down, that they will honor my grandmother and great-aunt. “This is the baptismal gown that your grandfather and father was baptized in. Your great grand mother and great-great aunt made it back in the early 50s”… Family, tradition, heritage.
 
I have found one- still made in Ireland which does not have the more elaborate classically Irish symbology. It is simple and elegant with lace at the bottom and is uni-sex. Perhaps this would be nice.

I have a funny story about some jewish friends. I told them about my desire not to have a suite with tie and such. They got a good laugh and said “what do they want to do- give the kid a cigar and little glass of wine afterward?!”
 
brotherhrolf said:
I am Irish American and the gowns of which I speak are Irish American gowns. My family immigrated before Black '47. No Celtic crosses or shamrocks on our gowns. Lace work aplenty. Intricate lace work. The gown does not speak male or female. The gown speaks family, tradtion, heritage.

My cousin has the ancestral gown from Ireland. I have no doubt that she would share it. She was born the day before me to the oldest son in the family. I am content knowing that my grandmother and my great-aunt made my gown and that both of my sons were baptized in it.

Baptism is a lot of things. The bottom line is a new soul redeemed for Christ. I can only hope that when my two great mugs decide to settle down, that they will honor my grandmother and great-aunt. “This is the baptismal gown that your grandfather and father was baptized in. Your great grand mother and great-great aunt made it back in the early 50s”… Family, tradition, heritage.
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My first grandson will be baptized soon and I wanted to hand down the christening gown my son and my daughter wore. The gown will be 32 years old and is perfect… although for a little lace on the sleeves… I am proud that I can start a tradition of having my children pass this tradition down. I really do not prefer the new ways of what society seems to push on the young adults these days. Baptism is sacred and should not be like a fashion show. The traditional ways are the best and family is where the traditions start. Glad to hear that there are many others that agree. God Bless.
 
When my first niece was born in 1973, I was asked to be her godmother. I bought a beautiful long christening gown for her. I was the most simple I could find because, even though I was not married at the time, I secretly hoped that my own children would someday wear it too. It was subsequently worn by my sister’s second daughter, and two sons, plus my three boys. On the feast of the Epiphany this year, forty years later, it was worn by our granddaughter, the first of my parent’s great-grandchildren. In total, it so far has been worn by three girls and five boys. We have a wonderful photo of our three sons, now big men, and this tiny baby girl: the four people present who wore that gown. Christening gowns are for both baby boys and girls, and it is a real blessing to have one in the family. Wait until you see the family christening dress that will be brought out for Will and Kate’s baby! If the baby is a boy, the stores will not be able to sell those silly looking pants outfits for boys. Everyone will want a copy of that gorgeous gown!
 
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