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Fancy Clothing and First Communion Gifts |
Article Submitted by: T. Ireland
Monday, 06 July 2009
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First Communion is a special event celebrated by the Roman Catholic Church. Another name for this event is ‘the sacrament of the Eucharist. The ceremony is a special type of Mass that honors the participants who will be receiving the Eucharist (Communion) for the first time. It is intended to symbolize the willingness of a child to accept the body and blood of Jesus Christ. The participants are usually children between the ages of 7 and 8 years of age.
The priest blesses special wafers and wine during a process called transubstantiation. This process metaphorically turns the wafers and wine into the body and blood of Jesus Christ. The children will leave their pews to form two lines and proceed up to the priest who will hand out the Communion. The children ‘accept' Christ's body and blood by ingesting them. According to Catholic teachings and tradition, after receiving Communion the children are considered to be ‘communicants' of Jesus and his teachings, and Catholicism.
One of the reasons that these celebrations are so beautiful to view is the fact that the children dress in fancy attire. Symbolism is very important and white symbolizes purity. Although in modern days some people choose to relax the tradition a bit, the girls typically wear white dresses that are lavishly decorated with beads, pearls, lace, or even silk.
These dresses are often family heirlooms that are handed down from one family member to another, making the celebration even more meaningful. And the beauty and pageantry of the event does not stop with the dress; the girls also wear white veils and gloves. The boys wear white suit jackets or vests.
There is often a large after-ceremony party held at the church for all participants. But in addition to that celebration many families choose to also have parties at their homes. Gifts are commonly given to the children that received First Communion, and most of these gifts are generally of a religious nature, but gifts of cash are not uncommon.
Jewelry engraved with special messages and little keepsake boxes, special picture frames, and prayer beads are all favorite gifts for these special celebrations. First Communion is a special event that should be treasured. Memorabilia is a nice gesture and provides participating children with lasting keepsakes to treasure. Article Source: http://www.ArticleBlast.com |
About The Author:
Morgan Thorken is a writer and student of religion. Ms. Thorken was executed to have the fortunate experience to recently attend the First Communion celebration for her nephew. According to her story she was uncertain as to appropriate First Communion Gifts. Ms. Thorken says that after a long search she decided on purchasing a kneeling boy Communion figure and a beautiful set of silver Rosary Beads. She says that her nephew was thrilled with the gifts and she was pleased because he was happy and the gifts seemed to be nice keepsakes.
Morgan Thorken is a writer and student of religion. Ms. Thorken was executed to have the fortunate experience to recently attend the First Communion celebration for her nephew. According to her story she was uncertain as to appropriate First Communion Gifts. Ms. Thorken says that after a long search she decided on purchasing a kneeling boy Communion figure and a beautiful set of silver Rosary Beads. She says that her nephew was thrilled with the gifts and she was pleased because he was happy and the gifts seemed to be nice keepsakes.
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