Birth Rites Lesson Objectives ALL of you will be able to explain and describe the main stages of two birth ceremonies. MANY of you will be able to consider the relationship between birth ceremonies and faith communities. SOME of you will be able to interpret the impact this has on those involved. Lesson Objectives Explain and describe main stages of two birth ceremonies. Consider the relationship between birth ceremonies and faith communities. Interpret the impact this has on all those involved.

Muslim Birth Rites A child is considered a Muslim by birth. Families see children as a Gift from God and are honoured that He would give them a new life. "God is great, there is no God but Allah. Muhammad is the messenger of Allah. Come to prayer." Next, the baby is given a name. This may include one of the ninety-nine names of God or the prophet’s name or name of someone in his family. Lesson Objectives Explain and describe main stages of two birth ceremonies. Consider the relationship between birth ceremonies and faith communities. Interpret the impact this has on all those involved. The first words a baby hears are the call to prayer in Arabic, called the Adhaan. It is spoken in the right ear by the father or family elder. ‘Aqiqah’ Seven days after the birth the baby’s hair is shaved off. It is then weighed and the amount is given in money to the poor. A small amount of honey, or something sweet, is rubbed around the baby’s gums. Muslims pray that the child may have a sweet, trouble-free life.

Christian Birth Rites A newborn child is a Gift from God. Christians celebrate birth by welcoming them into the Church. The priest prays the child will be safe from evil and makes the cross sign on their head with oil. A lighted candle is given as a present by the Church to say “shine as a light in the world.” Most Churches baptise babies. Water is poured over the baby’s head three times – it is done three times in the name of God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit. The water is from a ‘font’ and is considered holy. A baby cannot speak for itself so its parent decide to have a baptism as a promise to bring the child up as a Christian and welcome them into Christianity. Lesson Objectives Explain and describe main stages of two birth ceremonies. Consider the relationship between birth ceremonies and faith communities. Interpret the impact this has on all those involved. “Will you pray for them, draw them by your example into the community of faith, and walk with them in the way of Christ?”

Jewish Birth Rites Circumcision or Brit Milah Any child born to a Jewish mother is considered a Jew. A Jewish girl does not have to go through the same initiation ceremony as a baby boy. The Brit Milah (circumcision ceremony) is an important initiation rite for young Jewish boys. Circumcision is a religious requirement on Jews recalling the covenant that God made with Abraham. This Ceremony takes place when the child is eight days old. The Brit Milah is usually attended by men. The child is placed on the lap of a male friend or relative who has the honour of being the Sandek. He has the responsibility of holding the child still whilst the circumcision is performed by a Mohel. Naming the baby Baby boys are also given their names at their circumcisions; it is customary to keep the name a secret before the ceremony. It is traditional for the child to receive his or her name at the first public gathering, so if the child is a girl, then she will be named at the first public reading of the Torah at the Synagogue.