Christening

The act of breaking a bottle of wine against the stem of a vessel in immediate anticipation to her plunge into the water from the launching ways. The custom is a very old one. Among the many accounts of this performance the following may be cited: In 1418 the good Bishop of Bangor was sent to Southampton for the purpose of blessing the king's ship, named the "Grace Dieu." As far back as 1242 Henry III. had his war fleet blessed by the priests, and in person sought to propitiate the saints by visiting many shrines. It is yet customary in some parts of the world for priests to bless the fishing fleets just previous to setting sail for the fishing grounds, and to pray for a successful voyage.