Christening Clothes Facts
n Victorian times, women were much more private about pregnancy and birth. Women withdrew from society and Childbirth was not the shared event it has become today. After the isolation of pregnancy, women looked forward to the Christening occasion as their first public appearance. This celebration was much anticipated and planned for in the weeks leading up to the child's birth.
Babies were required to wear white for their Christening garments. The Church felt that white symbolized purity and innocence.
During the 18th Century, christening gowns or robes were made from silks and satins with embroidery and special trims. By the 1800's the stylish and best-dressed infants were dressed in fine linens or cotton lawn fabrics with white embroidery. Many of the gowns were hand made by the expectant mother. The small garment could be taken anywhere in the house, and helped to fill the waiting hours while she was confined to the house. Upon the arrival of the child, the christening outfit would be part of the celebration. With large families, the christening gown usually was used for all the family's children and even passed on for generations. The mother might add embellishments through her numerous pregnancies but the repeated family use and the tender care of the gown turned this simple garment into a cherished heirloom.
Into the mid-19th century, the process of Ayrshire work came into being. Ayrshire work was used as decoration on christening garments. It usually consisted of very fine, detailed white embroidery. The extra needlework had fillings and very intricate cutwork.
In the latter part of the Victorian era the christening gowns became even more lavish. Yards of lace, fine white embroidery, fine pin tucks, and intricately decorated bodices were the style of the times. The christening cap was a necessary part of this lavish Christening outfit.
From Edwardian times on, the Christening baby cape came into fashion. Mothers would often use mantles or a beautiful shawl to transport the newborn to the church for the ceremonies.
Christening robes have survived into today's times. Lovely christening or Baptism shawls not only protect the baby, but the cape or robe marks the pictures taken that day as a lovely family memento. Christening caps , usually as part of a christening set, serve a practical purpose of protecting the baby from the outside air or cold drafts.
Vintage or antique christening robes can be very expensive. Some mothers search for heirloom patterns to make their own baby garments for that special day. Their care can be as necessary as the bridal dress, being of similar material.
At Dress Me Up Cute, we have gathered a collection of sensibly price, yet precious Christening suits and boys baptism outfits for your little one. Todays Moms lead more public and buys lives throughout their pregnancy. Few have the time to indulge in hours spent in intricate sewing projects. We can help! We carry a complete line of boys dress and formal clothing. Whether the occasion is baby’s christening or Baptism, we have the suit, gown, or other lovely ensemble to “Dress Me Up Cute!”
We invite your to browse our Christening Clothes above.
Please shop our other boy's dress items....as your little one grows, we can keep him Dressed Up Cute!!!
