Csecsemkeresztség

Csecsemkeresztség is the Hungarian term for infant baptism, a Christian sacrament traditionally administered to newborns and young children. The practice is rooted in early Church traditions and remains a central ritual in both Roman Catholic and various Protestant congregations throughout Hungary. In the Catholic Church, the ceremony usually takes place within a few weeks of birth, often scheduled on a Sunday to allow attendance by family and friends. Baptism is typically performed by a parish priest, and the couple may adorn the infant in a white christening gown, symbolising purity. The rite includes the laying on of hands, the invocation of the Holy Trinity, and the application of holy water. Baptism certificates, known as “Tételi dokumentum” in Hungary, are issued by the Church and sometimes registered with civil authorities for legal recognition.

In the Protestant tradition, particularly among Evangelical Lutheran and Reformed churches, baby christening follows similar liturgical patterns but may emphasize the covenantal aspect between God and the family rather than the sacramental. In recent decades, a small but growing number of Hungarian families opt for baby baptisms in contemporary, more informal settings, yet the core elements—water, consecration, and communal affirmation—remain unchanged. According to the Hungarian Central Statistical Office, the majority of baptisms in the country are performed in Roman Catholic settings, reflecting the historical predominance of the faith. The rite continues to serve as both a religious milestone for the child and a cultural marker within Hungarian society, reinforcing familial and communal bonds through its ceremonial process.