The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

TO A FAMILY, BAPTISM IS A MOST HOLY AND GLORIOUS CELEBRATION.
THEY BRING THE BABY TO THE CHURCH, WHERE THE GODPARENTS,
PARENTS, AND PRIEST STAND AROUND THE BAPTISMAL (FONT).
THE PRIEST READS THE USUAL PRAYERS FOR BAPTISM, BUT ALSO
ADDS WHETHER THE GODPARENTS WILL HELP TO RAISE THEIR
GODCHILD IN AS MUCH OF LITHUANIAN TRADITION AND UPBRINGING
AS POSSIBLE. THEN THE PRIEST POURS SOME WATER ON THE
BABY'S HEAD; ANOINTS HIS FOREHEAD, EYES, MOUTH AND EARS,
WITH OIL; PUTS A LITTLE SALT ON HIS TONGUE AND THEN SUGAR.
AFTER BLESSING THE BABY, HIS PARENTS & GODPARENTS, THE
CEREMONY IS FINISHED.

Where learned: SOUTHFIELD ; MICHIGAN, ASSUMED

Date learned: 03-25-1972