Non religious Christening Readings: 10 Meaningful Poems for Naming Ceremonies & Baby Blessings

Discover 10 heartfelt, nonreligious readings for naming ceremonies, baby blessings, and secular christenings. These warm, meaningful poems are perfect for modern families welcoming a new little one. 

Choosing a reading for a celebrant led naming ceremony or baby blessing is such a lovely moment — but finding something truly meaningful and nonreligious isn’t always straightforward. Many families want words that feel inclusive, personal, and centred on love rather than faith. 

This collection brings together ten beautiful options for nonreligious naming ceremonies, family centred celebrations, and christening readings (non religious). Each piece celebrates connection, belonging, and the joy of introducing a child to their world. I hope it saves you time and helps you find something that feels just right for your family. 

If you’re planning a naming ceremony and would like a UK naming celebrant who creates warm, relaxed, personalised ceremonies, you’re very welcome to visit my Naming Ceremonies page. And if you’d like to explore more ideas, I’ve added links to a few related blogs at the bottom of this post. 

Parent holding a baby's feet, photo by Jolt Budriene Unsplash.com

1. On Children — Kahlil Gibran (from The Prophet, 1923) 

Why choose this one?   It’s a timeless favourite for parents who want something spiritual but not religious. Gibran’s words honour individuality, freedom, and the idea that children come through us, not from us. Many guests will recognise it instantly, even if they can’t quite remember where they first heard it — which gives it a lovely, familiar warmth in a naming ceremony.   

Your children are not your children. 

 They are the sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself. 

 They come through you but not from you, 

 And though they are with you yet they belong not to you. 

 You may give them your love but not your thoughts, 

 For they have their own thoughts. 

 You may house their bodies but not their souls, 

 For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, 

 Which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams. 

 You may strive to be like them but seek not to make them like you. 

The full reading is here: On Children by Kahlil Gibran   

2. The Christening — A.A. Milne (from When We Were Very Young, 1924) 

Why choose this one?   Many of us grew up with Christopher Robin and Winnie‑the‑Pooh, so this poem brings a lovely sense of nostalgia. The Christening is wonderfully short, gently funny, and all about the delightful dilemma of naming a pet mouse — which makes it a playful, unexpected choice for a modern naming ceremony. Even though it was written in 1924, it still feels fresh, light, and perfect for families who want something charming and non‑religious. 

‘What shall I call  

My dear little dormouse?   

His eyes are small,  

But his Tail is e-nor-mouse'    

The full reading is here: Winnie-the-Pooh: When We Were Very Young: Official NEW collectable edition of definitive, original illustrated Pooh poetry from Milne and Shepard (Winnie-the-Pooh – Classics 100th Anniversary): Amazon.co.uk: Milne, A. A., Shepard, E. H.: 9780008647995: Books 

3. Born Yesterday — Philip Larkin (from Collected Poems, 1955) 

Why choose this one?   One of the joys of creating your own personalised naming ceremony with a Bedfordshire naming celebrant (like me) is the freedom to choose readings that feel honest, grounded, and refreshingly real. Larkin does exactly that. 

Instead of wishing the child a life of dazzling talent or impossible perfection, he quietly hopes for something far more meaningful — that they’ll be able to experience happiness in its purest form. To live in the moment. To feel things fully. To be “unemphasised,” as he puts it, and simply themselves. It’s a wonderfully down‑to‑earth choice for families who appreciate truth, tenderness, and a touch of gentle humour. And perhaps it reminds all of us to slow down and treasure life as it is 

Tightly-folded bud,  

I have wished you something 

None of the others would: 

Not the usual stuff 

About being beautiful…. 

The full reading is here: Born Yesterday by Philip Larkin • Read A Little Poetry 

 

3. On the Seashore — Rabindranath Tagore (from Gitanjali: Song Offerings) 

Why choose this one?   Rabindranath Tagore was an Indian poet, philosopher, and Nobel laureate, born in Calcutta (now Kolkata). On the Seashore sits within his much‑loved collection Gitanjali: Song Offerings, and it captures the freedom, imagination, and possibility of childhood with such gentle beauty. 

I grew up by the sea in Bournemouth, and the shoreline has always felt like a place of play, exploration, and pure freedom — and I know that’s true for so many families. The beach is where children can run free, build worlds out of sand and shells, splash in the waves, and lose themselves in the moment. 

Tagore’s imagery of children creating boats and houses from whatever they find on the shore becomes a lovely allegory for childhood itself: the multitude of possibilities ahead, the creativity that comes so naturally, and the way young minds shape their own worlds as they grow. It’s a tender, poetic reminder of the freedom and potential that every child carries. 

On the seashore of endless worlds children meet. 

The infinite sky is motionless overhead and the restless water is boisterous.  

On the seashore of endless worlds the children meet with shouts and dances. 

They build their houses with sand, and they play with empty shells. 

With withered leaves they weave their boats and smilingly float them on the vast deep. 

Children have their play on the seashore of worlds. 

The full reading is here: On the Seashore | The Poetry Foundation 

5. Aedh Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven — W.B. Yeats (1899) 

Why choose this one?   This short, lyrical poem is full of blessing and tenderness, making it a lovely choice for guideparents or grandparents to read during a naming ceremony. Yeats wrote it using the persona “Aedh” — an old Irish name he often used for one of his dream‑figures. It’s pronounced simply as “Ay” (like day or say), which is a helpful little note to share with whoever is reading it aloud. 

What I love about this poem is the image of a parent laying their dreams gently before their child — a reminder that, as parents, we never stop dreaming for our children. There’s such humility in Yeats’ words: the idea that even if we don’t have riches or grand gifts to offer, we give our children something far more precious — our hopes, our love, and the soft, vulnerable dreams we place at their feet. It’s a tender, poetic reading that brings a quiet emotional depth to any naming ceremony. 

Had I the heavens’ embroidered cloths,

Enwrought with golden and silver light,

The blue and the dim and the dark cloths

Of night and light and the half light,

I would spread the cloths under your feet:

But I, being poor, have only my dreams;

I have spread my dreams under your feet;

Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.

The full reading is here: Aedh Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven by W. B. Yeats - Poems | Academy of American Poets 

6. The Velveteen Rabbit (excerpt) — Margery Williams, 1922 

Why choose this one?   First published in 1922 as The Velveteen Rabbit, or How Toys Become Real, with illustrations by William Nicholson, this story has become a beloved classic for generations. It’s tender, a little wistful, and full of gentle wisdom about love, transformation, and belonging — which makes it a beautiful fit for naming ceremonies and family‑centred baby blessings. 

The famous passage about becoming “Real” speaks so softly to what love does to us: how it shapes us, softens us, and makes us more ourselves. There’s something incredibly moving about sharing that message as you welcome a child into the world. It brings that warm, fuzzy feeling we all love, and it reminds everyone present that love — steady, imperfect, wholehearted love — is what helps us grow into who we truly are. 

“What is REAL?” asked the Rabbit one day, when they were lying side by side near the nursery fender, before Nana came to tidy the room. “Does it mean having things that buzz inside you and a stick-out handle?”  

“Real isn’t how you are made,” said the Skin Horse. “It’s a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real.”  

The full reading is here: The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams Wedding Reading 

7. Children Learn What They Live — Dorothy Law Nolte (1954) 

Why choose this one?   If you’re looking for a poem with real substance — something that speaks to values, behaviour, and the quiet lessons children absorb from the world around them — this is a wonderful choice. It’s a serious, thoughtful piece, and a powerful reminder of how our actions shape the little ones we raise. 

Nolte’s message is timeless: children grow into what they experience. Kindness teaches kindness. Patience teaches patience. Compassion teaches compassion. It’s a gentle nudge to all of us about what truly matters in this world, and how deeply our behaviour influences the next generation. 

For families who want a reading that feels grounded, wise, and rooted in everyday love, this poem lands beautifully in a naming ceremony. 

If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn. 

If children live with hostility, they learn to fight. 

If children live with ridicule, they learn to be shy. 

If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty. 

If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence. 

If children live with tolerance, they learn to be patient…. 

The full reading is here:  Children Learn What They Live© - Official Site 

8. I Have Seen — Anonymous 

Why choose this one?   Sometimes when you have a child, words fail you. You find yourself simply watching them — in awe, in wonder — and that feeling doesn’t disappear as they grow. Even if you don’t have children of your own, you can still recognise that special sense of appreciation for the moment, for the small things that are actually the big things. 

I Have Seen… captures that beautifully. It’s a gentle, reflective piece about noticing the quiet magic in everyday life: the way children move through the world, the way they remind us to slow down, and the way love sharpens our attention to what truly matters. 

It’s a wonderful choice if you’re looking for meaningful readings for babies, especially for families who want something heartfelt, simple, and rooted in presence. What makes this piece so enduring is its tone — soft, observant, and full of gratitude for the ordinary moments that shape a childhood. 

I have seen a mother at a cot - so I know what love is. 

I have looked into the eyes of a child - so I know what faith is. 

I have seen a rainbow - so I know what beauty is. 

I have felt the pounding of the sea - so I know what power is. 

I have planted a tree - so I know what hope is. 

I have heard a wild bird sing - so I know what freedom is. 

I have seen a Chrysalis burst into life - so I know what mystery is. 

I have lost a friend - for I know what sorrow is. 

I have seen a star decked sky - so I know what infinite is. 

I have seen and felt all these things – so I know what life is  

The full reading is here: Seasons of Life by Nigel Collins - AbeBooks 

9. Now This Is the Day — From the Writings of the Zuni People 

Why choose this one?   This traditional reading from the Zuni people is a beautiful reminder that we are guardians of our children — here to guide them, support them, and then, when the time comes, let them fly. It honours the special moment of a non‑religious naming ceremony, marking not just the child’s place in the world, but the shared responsibility we all hold in helping them grow. 

The reading speaks to the future: the hope that we may walk alongside this child as they journey through life, and the recognition that they, too, will shape our own paths in return. It’s a lovely expression of community, reciprocity, and belonging. 

The Zuni people live in western New Mexico, and their writings often reflect a deep connection to family, land, and the cycles of life. This piece brings a sense of reverence and gratitude to a naming ceremony — a reminder that welcoming a child is both a celebration and a promise. 

Now this is the day. Our child, Into the daylight You will go standing. Preparing for your day. Our child, it is your day, This day. May your road be fulfilled. In your thoughts may we live, May we be the ones whom your thoughts will embrace, May you help us all to finish our road.  

Now this is the day,

Our child,

Into the daylight

You will go out standing.

Preparing for your day.

Our child, it is your day,

This day.

May your road be fulfilled.

In your thoughts may we live,

May we be the ones whom your thoughts will embrace,

May you help us all to finish our roads.

The full reading is here:  Great Occasions by Carl Seaburg | Book Excerpt | Spirituality & Practice 

10. Omaha Native American Blessing 

Why choose this one?   I think this might be my favourite reading of all. There’s something deeply moving about the way it calls on the winds, the elements, the stars, the moon, the birds, and the animals — inviting the whole natural world to witness and welcome a new life. It speaks so beautifully to the child’s path ahead, and to the idea that they are part of something vast, ancient, and interconnected. 

For me, it also echoes the heart of Rites of Way: supporting people on their path, honouring transitions, and recognising the sacredness in everyday life. This blessing feels like an announcement to the universe — a gentle but powerful declaration that a new being has arrived, and that they are held by both family and the wider world. 

The Omaha people are a Plains tribe from what is now Nebraska and Iowa, with their present‑day community centred on the Omaha Reservation in northeastern Nebraska. Their traditional blessings often weave together nature, spirit, and community — which makes this one a truly wonderful choice for a naming ceremony that is non‑religious, inclusive, and full of heart.

Sun, Moon, Stars, all you that move in the heavens, hear us! 

Into your midst has come a new life. 

Make his/her path smooth, that he/she may reach the brow of the first hill! 

Winds, Clouds, Rain, Mist, all you that move in the air, hear us! 

Into your midst has come a new life. 

Make his/her path smooth, that he/she may reach the brow of the second hill! 

Hills, Valleys, Rivers, Lakes, Trees, Grasses, all you of the earth, hear us! 

Into your midst has come a new life. 

Make his/her path smooth, that he/she may reach the brow of the third hill! 

Birds, great and small, that fly in the air, Animals, great and small, that dwell in the forest, Insects that creep among the grasses and burrow in the ground, hear us! 

Into your midst has come a new life. 

Make his/her path smooth, that he/she may reach the brow of the fourth hill! 

All you of the heavens, all you of the air, all you of the earth, hear us! 

Into your midst has come a new life. 

Make his/her path smooth, then shall he/she travel beyond the four hills! 

The full reading is here: Baby Blessing, Baby Shower, Baptism and Christening Readings and Prayers 

Conclusion 

So there you have it — a little gathering of beautiful, meaningful readings that sit perfectly within a naming ceremony or baby blessing. The right non‑religious reading can create such a tender pause in the day: a moment where another voice steps forward, a new perspective is offered, and everyone has the chance to breathe, smile, and take in the love, hope, and intention surrounding your little one. 

These readings don’t just fill space — they deepen it. They bring warmth, connection, and a gentle sense of belonging that lingers with every guest. 

If you’re planning a naming ceremony and would like support choosing readings, shaping the flow, or creating something truly personal, I’d be honoured to walk alongside you. My naming ceremonies are calm, inclusive, and centred around your family’s story — celebrating your child in a way that feels authentic, joyful, and wholeheartedly yours. Whenever the time feels right, you’re welcome to get in touch. I’d love to hear what you’re dreaming of for your little one’s special day. 

FAQs for Non Religious Naming Ceremonies & Baby Blessings 

1. Do I have to choose a non‑religious reading for a naming ceremony? 

Not at all. Many families blend styles — a poem, a favourite lyric, a line from a book, or something faith‑based if it feels meaningful. A non‑religious reading simply keeps the ceremony inclusive for everyone, whatever their beliefs. 

2. Who usually reads the poem or blessing during the ceremony? 

Anyone you choose. A grandparent, guideparent, godparent, friend, or even an older sibling can be lovely. And if you’d prefer not to ask someone, I’m always very happy to read your chosen piece for you on the day. 

3. What can count as a “reading”? 

Almost anything with heart. A poem, a children’s book extract, a favourite quote, a short story, a lyric, or even something you’ve written yourselves. It doesn’t need to be formal — it just needs to feel like you. 

4. Can we include more than one reading? 

Absolutely. Two short readings can create a beautiful balance — one to set the tone, and another later as a moment of reflection. I can help you shape the flow so it feels natural and unhurried. 

5. What if we can’t find a reading that feels like “us”? 

That’s so common. Sometimes the perfect piece is something unexpected or adapted. I’m always happy to help you explore options or shape something personal that feels warm, meaningful, and true to your family. 

If you’d like support choosing a reading — or would like me to read it for you on the day — I’m here with warmth, calm, and a listening ear. However you imagine your little one’s naming ceremony, we can shape something beautiful together. 

Thank you for reading. If I can help with your naming ceremony — or your wedding ceremony — you’re very welcome to contact me at ritesofw@gmail.com, 07305 002858, or via my website contact form. 

Other blogs you may be interested in:

https://www.ritesofway.com/post/the-art-of-naming-tips-for-choosing-the-perfect-name-for-your-child

https://www.ritesofway.com/post/10-heartfelt-readings-for-non-religious-wedding-ceremonies

https://www.ritesofway.com/post/personalise-your-wedding-ceremony

https://www.ritesofway.com/post/what-is-a-celebrant-crafting-ceremonies-that-actually-feel-like-you