Naming Ceremony is a custom that takes place as part of the Mistmantle religion. It is a ceremony to give a new baby a name, during which a priest blesses the baby. Naming ceremonies of Princes and Princesses, like those of Prince Tumble and Princess Catkin, are accompanied by celebrations and feasts, so the animals always look forward to them.
Description[]
Usually, all the animals living on Mistmantle Island are invited to attend the naming ceremony of princes and princesses. They gather in the Tower, which is specially decorated with the Threadings, flower garlands and other adornments. There is a procession that includes the Circle animals, the Captains, and, finally, the King and Queen. The baby is brought forward by one of the queen’s closest friends, and after the priest blesses them, celebrations begin.
Naming ceremonies are also held for common animals as well, but none of them had been described in the books. However, it can be assumed that the ceremonies for ordinary animals are similar to those of royalty, but less grand and splendid.
History[]
Urchin of the Riding Stars[]
Urchin remembers coming to the Tower for Prince Tumble’s naming ceremony together with other inhabitants of Mistmantle Island. He describes how the halls were decorated with the Threadings, and remembers the great procession of the animals of the Circle, the Captains and the royal couple, with Lady Aspen carrying Prince Tumble, and how Brother Fir blessed the baby before the animals of the island.
The Heir of Mistmantle[]
The naming ceremony is held for Princess Catkin, daughter of King Crispin and Queen Cedar. A night of riding stars happen before Catkin’s naming day, making many animals think that it will bring something good for the princess.
During the ceremony, after the Circle animals, Captains and the royal couple take their places, Princess Catkin is brought forward by Thripple. Sepia's choir sings a prayer of praise and thanks to the Heart, and animals bring gifts of flowers, berries, pebbles and seashells to present to the princess. Eventually, Catkin’s naming shawl is brought out and wrapped around the baby, and Brother Fir blesses the princess. In the conclusion of the ceremony, all the animals are showered by rose petal and autumn leaves. After this, Cedar takes Catkin away to her chambers so that she can sleep while, in the Tower, celebrations continue, with dances, songs and other entertainments.
Urchin and the Raven War[]
When Corr thinks about Brother Fir, he mentions that the priest had been at his naming ceremony, but he couldn’t remember it.