Baptism

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 Although not often associated with Paganism, Baptism or a rite similar to the rite was practiced across the pagan world. There was going to be a proper paper on it however the sources that were uncovered are already extremely comprehensive and goes into greater detail.

 As an extra note that seemed to have been missed, there is record of the Gaulish practise of submerging their babies in cold rivers. While the Greco-Roman authors said this was to build their strength, it is possible that this is a record of a similar practice within the Continental Celtic Culture.

 

 With this a brief description of the practice within the Society can begin, the practice of Baptism was originally for babies. Most likely to bless a baby and keep them from supernatural threat like many Lay-Baptism's across Scotland. However, the Society has elected to open the practice to adult converts if they wish to go through this rite as an affirmation of their faith.

 The rite not only worked towards the protection of the child bust was also an important ceremony for naming the child. This was either done by the parent, someone akin to the child's 'God-Parent' or a Druid or priest who would also be at the ritual. This is also available to converts.

 During the ceremony the child will either be sprinkled with water in accordance to the Norse custom of Ausa Vatni or perhaps dunked in a river or other holy water, during which the Druid in attendance will utter a chant of some sort. It is after this the child is then named.

 There may have also been vows and promises in accordance with a tale of Conall Cernach, however this remains unclear and could be a Christianisation instead. Nevertheless, this rite seems to have been an important part of Senchus and we encourage members of the faith to hold these baptisms for their new-borns or when converting as a way to affirm ones faith.

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 We apologise for the weaker formatting of this page, a proper paper will likely be written in the future. However as of right now there simply isn't enough time to devote to this when there are already very well written works covering the topic.

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Sources:

Pagan Baptism in the West - [PDF Document] (vdocuments.mx)

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