I have recently done my second Baptism, also known as Christening and they are like mini weddings. They both happen to be Portuguese families involved and they are a very important event in Portuguese tradition and the day is filled with some rituals. So it starts out with a getting ready session, the child getting ready with her parents or God parents then the child is given gifts usually gold by the God parents. Then it is off to the church for Morning Mass which lasts about an hour, and the Baptism right after with the families of whose children will be getting baptized and once that is done, it is off to the restaurant/reception in this case the Portuguese Fisherman in South River, NJ. and the Portuguese sure know how to party! There cocktail hour is like a full course meal. During the restaurant part there is usually a toast by the family and God parents as well as some traditional Portuguese music with some special dances. Overall it is a long day and almost mini wedding. Here are few of my fav’s from Daniel’s Baptism.