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According to “Buddhist Ceremonies and Rituals of Sri Lanka,” with the exception of ordination to the monastic life and funeral rites, life cycle events were regarded as secular affairs for most of Buddhism’s history.

Unlike in other major world religions, no ancient Buddhist baby-naming ceremonies exist. In more recent times, Buddhist rituals have mixed with those of other world religions and cultures.

In many countries that practice Theravada Buddhism, outside influences have inspired the development of Buddhist baby-naming rituals.

History

Theravada Buddhism is often called “Southern Buddhism,” because it is mostly followed in Sri Lanka, Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Laos and Cambodia.

In Pali, Theravada means “the Way of the Elders.” These Southern Buddhist countries have developed their own specific baby-naming rituals.

Often these baby-naming rituals incorporate a visit to the monastery to enlist the naming services of local Buddhist monks.

Geography

In Sri Lanka, a baby’s parents will “select an auspicious day or full-moon day and take the child to the nearest temple,” according to “Buddhist Ceremonies and Rituals of Sri Lanka.”

Thai babies are most often named by either a monk or a grandparent using Thai astrology. In Myanmar, the naming ceremony happens when the baby is 100 days old. At this ceremony, monks chant prayers and bless the baby.
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