Familiar Symbols Used in a Baptism

Christian baptism is symbolized by five universal elements: the cross, a white garment, oil, water, and light. In addition to these symbols, the baptismal font, scriptural readings and prayers, and godparents are also important components of the ceremony. These symbols represent the fundamental beliefs and teachings of the Christian faith. However, it's worth noting that certain traditions and rituals may vary from one church to another, as detailed in our other blog post.

• The Cross:  The cross is a widely recognized symbol within the Christian and Catholic faiths. During the sacrament of baptism, it is customary to make the sign of the cross over the individual being baptized, as a symbol of invoking God's protection and granting entrance into the Christian church. The cross also holds significant meaning as a reminder of Jesus' sacrifice through his crucifixion, which is believed to have cleared the sins of all humanity. This powerful symbol can be found in many religious rituals and ceremonies within the Christian and Catholic traditions.  John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
• White Clothing: According to Christian doctrine, original sin is present in all individuals at birth. However, it can only be removed through the sacrament of baptism. As a symbol of this cleansing, those being baptized often don white garments. The color white represents purity and serves as a visual representation of the person's newly acquired clean slate in the eyes of God, as stated in the Bible, "Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow" (Isaiah 1:18). The white garment symbolizes that the person being baptized is now covered by the mantle of God, signifying the beginning of a new and pure life in the eyes of both God and the Church.
• The Oil: Oil symbolizes the unification of the individual being baptized and the Holy Spirit. During the baptism ceremony, oil is applied to the baby's skin and is frequently referenced in the Bible as a symbol of the connection between the individual and the Holy Spirit. The use of blessed oils during baptism serves to strengthen one's faith.
• Baptismal Water: As a Christian symbol, water represents the divine life and serves as a sign of purity and cleansing from sin. The holy water symbolizes the gift of life given by God and is a symbol of His grace. The act of baptism involves pouring water on the head while reciting the words "I baptize thee in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit." The purifying properties of water are believed to cleanse a person from the outside. The gospel of John 3:1-6 also states "unless a man is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God."
• The Baptism Light:  The Baptismal Light symbolizes the transition from death to life in Christ. As the Bible states in John 8:12, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." The candle represents the importance of light, similar to water, in sustaining life on earth. During the baptism ceremony, the godparents receive the lighted candle from the celebrant, not only as a symbol of the creation and vitality of life but also as a symbol of the presence of Christ. As the candle burns, it serves as a reminder of the power and guidance of religious faith.

Baptism is a sacred ceremony in the Christian faith, where individuals, whether babies or adults, are welcomed into the community of believers. During the ceremony, the godparents, who have been chosen by the parents to help guide and raise the child in the faith, stand with the parents to support them and bear witness to the sacrament. The godparents hold an honorary title, as they are tasked with helping the parents raise the child in the Christian faith.

As the ceremony takes place, prayers are said for the child, asking for freedom from sin and for Christ's protection, blessings, mercy, and grace to be bestowed upon the child, the parents, the godparents, the family, and the congregation. The baptismal font, or baptismal pool, serves as the location for the baptism, where the priest will baptize the child or adult.

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" - Matthew 28:19. This quote from the Bible reminds us of the importance of baptizing individuals and welcoming them into the family of God. The sacrament of baptism marks the beginning of a person's journey in the Christian faith.