Baptism vs Christening: Key Differences Explained
Baptism and christening are frequently used interchangeably, but they have distinct religious meanings and applications. Understanding the difference is key when planning your ceremony.
Baptism Defined
Baptism is the broader, universal term used across most Christian denominations. It is a fundamental sacrament that marks an individual's initiation into the Christian church.
- Core Meaning: Baptism is seen as a means of grace and a sacrament of regeneration. It marks the beginning of one's Christian life and faith.
- The Rite: The ceremony involves the use of water and the invocation of the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).
- Declaration: It is considered a public declaration of one's faith in Jesus Christ and a rite of passage.
Christening Defined
Christening is a specific term used by the Anglican church and some other Protestant churches. It refers solely to one type of baptism.
- Application: Christening specifically refers to the baptism of infants or young children who cannot yet declare their own faith.
- Focus: It is often seen as a naming ceremony and a rite of passage that welcomes the child into the Christian community.
- Result: The term is used synonymously with infant baptism.
Summary Table: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Baptism (General Term) | Christening (Specific Term) |
| Primary meaning | Sacrament of initiation into Christian faith. | Rite of passage; often a naming ceremony. |
| Who is Baptised | Adults or infants. | Specifically infants and young children. |
| Usage | Used by most denominations. | Primarily used by Anglican/Episcopal churches. |
Finding the Perfect Candle for Your Ceremony
Whether you call the service a Baptism or a Christening, the personalised candle remains the central religious symbol of the light of Christ.
We create custom candles that are perfect for both traditional baptisms and infant christenings. You simply provide the name and date, and we handle the design and FREE digital proofing.
Browse All Personalised Christening and Baptism Candle Designs
