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Christen Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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christen

[ˈkrɪs.ən ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

religious ceremony

To christen is to give someone a name during a religious ceremony, particularly in the context of baptism in Christian traditions. This act often symbolizes a blessing and the initiation of the individual into the faith community. Additionally, christening can denote the naming of ships or other vessels as a ritual of good fortune. The term imparted in this context suggests a ceremonial and significant importance associated with the naming process.

Synonyms

baptize, bless, dedicate, name.

Examples of usage

  • They decided to christen their newborn daughter during the church service.
  • He was christened in a beautiful ceremony by the priest.
  • The couple chose to christen their new boat before launching it into the water.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many Christian denominations, a christening is a rite of passage that marks a child’s entry into the community.
  • Some cultures have specific customs, such as the role of godparents, who support the child’s religious upbringing.
  • Christenings can also occur for ships, symbolizing the blessing of the vessel before its journey.

Literature

  • The concept of naming has been explored in works like 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco, where the act of naming ties to identity.
  • In many stories, a character's name plays a crucial role in their destiny, similar to christening’s purpose in bestowing identity.
  • The tradition is referenced in various literary texts, often highlighting themes of faith and belonging.

Psychology

  • Naming during a christening can create a sense of belonging and identity for the child within their family and community.
  • Research shows that names can significantly influence a person's self-concept and how they are perceived socially.
  • Rituals like christenings can help reinforce family bonds and cultural traditions, offering psychological comfort and continuity.

Modern Practices

  • Some families choose to have non-religious namesakes or ceremonies, reflecting broader societal changes in belief systems.
  • Contemporary christenings may include personalized elements, such as unique music or readings, to reflect the family's values.
  • There is a rising trend of including friends in non-traditional roles during christenings, indicating a shift in community structures.

Origin of 'christen'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Old English 'Cristen' meaning 'Christian' or 'belonging to Christ'.
  • Originally, it referred to the act of baptizing someone into the Christian faith.
  • In Middle English, the term evolved from meanings of 'to name' or 'to baptize'.

The word 'christen' originates from the Old English term 'crystenian,' meaning to make a Christian or baptize, which itself is derived from 'Crist' or 'Christ.' This evolution of the term reflects its strong ties to early Christian practices and the importance of names in religious traditions. In the earliest usage, christening was closely associated with baptism, and over the centuries, the term's application broadened to include naming rituals for children, ships, and significant occasions. The use of christening ceremonies has varied among cultures, often symbolizing the introduction of a person into a community or honoring a vessel before its maiden voyage. Thus, christen has retained a sense of ceremonial significance, representing both the act of naming and the blessings that accompany such events.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,531 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.