First Communion

The First Communion (First Holy Communion) is a Roman Catholic ceremony. It is the colloquial name for a person's first reception of the sacrament of the Eucharist. Roman Catholics believe this event to be very important, as the Eucharist is one of the central focuses of the Roman Catholic Church. First Communion is not practiced in the Eastern Catholic Churches, which practice Infant Communion. First Communion is also celebrated by some Protestant denominations, particularly Lutherans. Celebration of this ceremony is typically less elaborate in Protestant churches that practice it. First communion typically happens around age 7/8, depending on which country, however adults that have not received their First Communion can go through a separate program (RCIA) to receive this sacrament.

Traditions

First Communion is traditionally an important festive occasion for Roman Catholic families.

Traditions surrounding First Communion usually include large family gatherings and parties to celebrate the event; special clothing is usually worn. The clothing is often white to symbolize purity. Girls often wear fancy dresses and a veil attached to a headdress, as well as white gloves (long or short). In some parts of the United States the special dress for First Communion is becoming increasingly extravagant, with prices sometimes exceeding $200. In Ireland, a similar style is being adopted with girls applying fake tan and being driven to the church in limousines. In other communities girls commonly wear dresses passed down to them from sisters or mothers, or even simply their school uniforms plus the veiled headdress and gloves.

In Scotland, boys typically wear smart dress, i.e shirt, tie and trousers for the ceremony. In many Latin America countries, boys wear military-style dress uniforms with gold braid aiguilettes. In Switzerland, both boys and girls wear plain white robes with brown wooden crosses around their necks.

Gifts of a religious nature are usually given, such as rosaries, prayer books, in addition to religious statues and icons. Gifts of cash are also common. [cite news|title=Money Express with Jill Kerby|author=Jill Kerby|work=Laois Today|url=http://www.laoistoday.ie/business/Money-Express-with-Jill-Kerby.4022259.jp]

Many families also have formal professional photographs taken in addition to many candid snapshots of the day.

ee also

*Communion and the developmentally disabled
*Confirmation

References

External links

* [http://www.ewtn.com/library/curia/cdwfirst.htm Quam singulari]
* [http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cclergy/documents/rc_con_cclergy_doc_19770331_penance-communion_en.html A Letter from the Vatican: First Penance, First Communion]
* [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04170b.htm CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Communion of Children]