A christening is a Christian ceremony where a baby or young child is baptized and officially given their name. During a christening, the child is usually sprinkled with or dipped in holy water while a priest or minister speaks blessings. Family and friends gather to witness the moment, and godparents are often chosen to help guide the child's spiritual upbringing.

Historically, this ceremony was when a child's name became official in the eyes of the church and community, which is why we still say a ship is being “christened” when it's formally named for the first time.

Parents typically dress babies in white gowns for christenings, symbolizing purity and new beginnings. The ceremony often happens when a baby is just a few months old, though some families wait until the child is older. After the religious service, families usually celebrate with a special meal or party.

People sometimes use christening more loosely to mean the first use of something new. You might hear someone joke about christening new shoes by wearing them for the first time, or christening a new kitchen by cooking the first meal in it.