In Ireland, the ceremony that traditionally introduces a baby to the Christian faith through water is baptism.
Christian baptism uses water as a sign of cleansing, rebirth, and entry into the Christian community. In infant baptism, the child is usually presented by parents and godparents, while a priest or minister pours water over the baby’s head or immerses the child, depending on the denomination.
Ireland has historically had a strong Catholic tradition, and Catholic infant baptisms commonly include parents, godparents, prayers, anointing with oil, and the lighting of a baptismal candle. The exact order and wording vary among churches.
Baptism is distinct from Confirmation, which is a later rite in many Christian traditions, and from First Communion, which concerns receiving the Eucharist. Some Christian denominations do not baptize infants and instead practice dedication or believer’s baptism.