| Emily Post (1873-1960) was the doyen of | | | | email, mobile/cell phone. |
| etiquette advisers and in 1922 wrote advice on | | | | On the subject of Godparents, Emily Post writes: |
| etiquette for Christenings or Baptisms. Some of | | | | "Before setting the date for the christening, the |
| the advice holds true today, but changes in | | | | godmothers (two for a girl and one for a boy) |
| methods of communications and modern | | | | and the godfathers (two for a boy and one for a |
| lifestyles, make some of the advice seem terribly | | | | girl) have, of course, already been chosen." |
| dated. I wonder what Mrs. Post would have | | | | "Since godparents are always most intimate |
| thought about how we conduct ourselves today? | | | | friends, it is natural to ask them when they come |
| Here is some of the advice she gave for | | | | to see the mother and the baby (which they |
| Christenings over 80-years ago: | | | | probably do often) or to write them if at a |
| "Invitations to a christening are never formal, | | | | distance." |
| because none but the family and a very few | | | | But I hadn't realised that the invitation should, |
| intimate friends are supposed to be asked. In this | | | | supposedly, be sent from the newborn child: |
| day invitations are nearly all sent over the | | | | "I arrived last night and my mother and father |
| telephone, except to those who are at a distance, | | | | were very glad to see me, and I am now eagerly |
| or else friends are asked verbally when seen; but | | | | waiting to see you. |
| it is both correct and polite to write notes." | | | | Your loving godson, |
| This is the form of the invitation: | | | | (name)" |
| "Dear Mrs. (name): | | | | There is much else besides. Advice on what to |
| The baby is to be christened here at home, next | | | | wear, the arrangement of rooms at home and |
| Sunday at half past four, and we hope you and | | | | when to hand baby back to the nurse(!), before |
| Mr. (name) and the children if they care to - will | | | | going on to the all important advice on Christening |
| come. | | | | gifts and presents: |
| Affectionately, | | | | "Godparents must, of course, give the baby a |
| (your name)" | | | | present, if not before, at least at the Christening. |
| All very stiff and formal, but it appears that | | | | The standard "gift" is a silver mug, a porringer, or |
| telephone invitations would be communicated by a | | | | a knife, fork and spoon, marked usually with the |
| servant: | | | | baby's name and that of the giver." For example: |
| "Mr. and Mrs. Gilding, Jr. would like Mr. and Mrs. | | | | Adam Lee. From his godfather. Stewart Hersey |
| Norman to come to the baby's christening on | | | | Of course there is nothing to stop other guests, |
| Sunday at half past four, at their house." | | | | especially grandparents, at the Christening giving |
| Whereas, today it would all be first name terms, | | | | silver christening gifts. |
| attendance at a church and communicated by | | | | |