Saturday, February 25, 2012

Go mbeirimid beo ag an am seo arís

There is a Christening gown that has been used in my family for generations. My father was baptised in it along with his older brother and sister in the 1930's and 40's. Then in the 1970's and 80's myself, my brother and my sister used it. In 1998 Sian was baptised, Rhiannon in 2000 and Gareth in 2003.  I believe that my father and his siblings were the first generation to use it although I might be wrong. Whatever the outcome this gown is somewhere in the region of 80 years old and has become a precious part of our family history.

It is made of two layers. A simple cream satin under-dress and an over-layer of thin delicate netting.



As each of my children were getting ready to wear this gown my Dad helped me to dress them and recounted the story of the gown and those who had worn it. My favourite picture I have of the gown was taken in 2000 and is of Dad trying to close the tiny buttons at the back of the gown as my gorgeous Rhiannon was laughing and moving and not helping one little bit.

This weekend the gown will be used once again to baptise my brothers third baby. This will be the first of the 6 grandchildren that my father will not be there to help with the gown as he is not well enough to travel from Ireland at this time. We will all miss him. Especially Rhiannon who has long grown out of the gown but not of her cheeky smile...

Go mbeirimid beo ag an am seo arís Dad. xoxoxo

 

4 comments - click here to leave your comment:

  1. Wendy McDonagh-Valentine On 3:26 pm Wrote

    These photos are absolutely lovely!! Each of my sons wore a Christening gown from Ireland as my father in law is from Galway. It was the most beautiful gown. Made them look almost too pretty to be boys!! : ) Your daughter is gorgeous and still looks a lot like she did when she was a baby. So sweet. XOXO

    ~ Wendy
    http://Crickleberrycottage.blogspot.com/

     
  2. Diana Lesjak On 7:44 am Wrote

    How beautiful! Lovely memories and photos! Hope your father will enjoy all the photos you send of his grandbaby in this treasured gown! God Bless the little one!

     
  3. Debbie W On 12:47 pm Wrote

    Beautiful Gina...the post...the gown...your photographs. So very beautiful. :)

     
  4. blandina On 4:00 am Wrote

    I agree with Debbie, you have a way to present things, people, events that goes straight to the heart.

     

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