What to write on an Orthodox christening candle

A personalised christening candle carries the child's name, and some families add the date as well. The candle is made after the wording is agreed, so the useful work is getting the wording right before you order. This post covers what I need from you and where the mistakes usually come from.

If you are still choosing a candle, the seven I make are on the christening candles page, and choosing a christening candle colour covers how people pick between them. This is for once you have decided.

What can go on the candle

A name or a date can be added if you ask me before you order. That covers what most families want: the child's name, the date of the baptism, or both.

I have not set out a fixed list of what fits on each candle. If you want something longer or different, send me what you have in mind through the contact page and I will tell you plainly whether I can do it.

Spell the name the way you want it to read

The name goes on the candle exactly as you give it to me. I do not correct it, convert it or guess at it.

That matters because one name can be written several ways. A Greek name can appear in Greek letters or in English letters, and an English form of the name may be spelt differently from the form the family uses at home. A nickname and a baptismal name can be two different things. Decide which one belongs on the candle, then write it out in full.

If you would like the wording in Cyrillic, ask me first, before you order, and send the exact characters.

If you are not sure which name the child is being baptised with, ask the parents or the priest. That is not something I can answer for you, and I will letter whatever you tell me.

Add the date if you want it

A date is optional. Some families like it because the candle then records what it was made for, and the candle is kept after the baptism. Many families light it again on the anniversary of the christening or on the child's name day, as I describe in keeping the christening candle after the day.

If you add a date, write it out in full the way you want it to appear, for example the day, the month and the year, so there is nothing for me to interpret.

Send the wording once, from one person

Godparents often buy the candle, and parents know how the name is spelt. That means two people can end up sending me two versions of the same name.

Agree the wording between you first. One person sends it to me, and the other checks it. If I receive two different spellings I will ask which is right before I start, which adds a round of messages that you can avoid. If you are the godparent, get the spelling from the parents in writing and send that. A screenshot of their message is fine.

How I confirm the wording

I confirm the wording with you before anything is made. It goes like this:

1. Add the name, and the date if you want one, to the order notes on Etsy, or send it through the contact page.
2. I confirm the wording back to you exactly as I will make it.
3. You reply to say it is right, or send corrections.
4. I make the candle.

Please check every letter at step three. Once a candle is made with the wrong spelling it cannot be changed, so a few minutes at that step saves a remake.

If you want the cross personalised too

The luxury christening bundles include a personalised acrylic cross engraved with the child's name, with a matching candle and accessories. The name is confirmed before anything is made, the same as for the candle. The bundles are on the Orthodox christening page.

For the wording on a wedding candle, which has its own questions about two names and two candles, see what to write on Orthodox wedding candles.

If you are ready to order, send me the wording and I will confirm it with you before I start.