We gathered beneath the shelter of the pines in Abernethy Forest as Storm Babet swept across Scotland. Wren’s welcome to the world and naming ceremony was possibly the rainiest ceremony I’ve had the honour to lead in all my years of celebranting. The rain only added to the fun for this small but mighty little one as she splashed about us in her wellie boots and rainsuit, enjoying the puddles. 

“Wren’s Naming Day is about bringing everyone we love together in one place so that we can all celebrate her arrival and share in her joy.”

It is said that rain brings good fortune and the blessings given to Wren by her close family and guide parents were at the heart of her celebration. Absent loved ones were honoured at the start of the ceremony with special mention to Pa, Wren’s great grandpa, whose camera was used to capture memories for everyone present.  

“Wren’s parents had been looking for a place they could call their own, a place in nature where they could find their own church, to celebrate and honour Wren. They both feel that this woodland in the heart of Scotland, encircled by misty mountains and beautiful lochs with its magical, storybook feel, is perfect for celebrating Wren, their wild and windswept daughter.”

A mixed faith gathering, we began the ceremony with a family reading of a prayer. Then we all paused for a moment of peaceful reflection, passing a blessings jar around the gathering. Everyone was invited, as they held the jar, to imbue in it any well-wishing thoughts or silent prayers that they had for Wren. 

We shared stories of Wren’s wild-spirited character: how she is such a happy, positive, bubbly child with a cackle that makes you laugh and stories that make you smile; how she is a lover of stones and singing, colouring and rainbows. 

We heard that Wren’s parents named her in honour of her much-loved great grandmother, and her great great grandmothers, who were named after, and loved, birds. After all, wrens are small, cheerful and loud, which entirely suits their little one. 

It felt important to Wren’s mum to include some ‘witchy’ practices in Wren’s ceremony, as she has long taken comfort from Wiccan practices. Wren’s parents welcomed her to the world with a blessings ritual. They gifted Wren her blessings jar filled with items that symbolise love, courage, creativity and confidence.

May the strength of the wind and the light of the sun,

The softness of the rain and the mystery of the moon

Reach you and fill you.

May beauty delight you and happiness uplift you,

May wonder fulfil you and love surround you,

May your step be ready and your arm be strong,

May your heart be peaceful and your word be true.

May you seek to learn, may you learn to live,

May you seek to love, and may you love always.

Welcome to the world, Wren!

We combined two beautiful Celtic traditions: a Handfasting to symbolise love, loyalty and connection, and the tying of a Cloot to make a wish or send a prayer or blessing to the individual or family being honoured. 

Wren’s dear family and friends were invited to make a beautiful dream catcher for Wren as a symbolic keepsake, to create something protective, nurturing and beautiful that Wren can hang in her bedroom window. 

“Over time, as the wind blows and Wren sleeps and plays beneath her dreamcatcher, all your good wishes will be released and carried into the world. And, when each Cloot eventually frays to nothing, that marks the fulfilment of each wish.”

Wren’s guide parents each gifted her a pebble (Wren loves pebbles!) as they made their life promises to Wren to protect and nurture her. 

We closed the ceremony with a Quaich ritual. This was made all the more special for the Celtic blessing toast being shared by Wren’s granddad who was braving the elements alongside us all despite his ailing health. 

Everyone took a warming sip of whisky and we all cheered Wren’s future as the wind whipped about us and the rain splashed down. 

We all agreed that Wren’s celebration was the perfect way to honour this most wild-spirited, curious and joyful of beings. It was an absolute joy to share time with Wren and her family and I wish her all the wonder and magic for the future. 

Thank you to Holly and Ciaran, Wren’s parents, for sharing these gorgeous details of Wren’s day with us all. Thank you to Beth Sutton Photography for the sweet photographs.