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Baptism (or Christening) dates are often used as birth dates in historical records, especially before civil registration in 1837, with the interval being short (days to weeks) but varying; while the Church historically pushed for quick baptisms (within days/weeks), the actual gap grew over time, so it's a good approximate birth date but not always exact, requiring genealogy research to confirm details like birth dates sometimes recorded in the baptism entry.
Key Points for Genealogists
Baptism = Christening: The terms are interchangeable; it's the same ceremony.
Common Practice: Historically, infants were expected to be baptized soon after birth, often on the next Sunday.
Varying Intervals: The gap between birth and baptism increased over centuries; in the 16th century, it was often days, while by the 19th century, it could be weeks or months.
Record Information: Baptism records (parish registers) might sometimes include the actual birth date, parents' names, residence, and father's occupation, especially after the 18th century.
Discrepancies: Don't be surprised if baptism and birth certificate dates differ by a few days; this was common due to illiteracy, recording errors, or convenience.
Usage: For family history, the baptism date serves as a strong indicator of the birth year and approximate date, often used as the birth date if no other is found, but always look for the specific birth date within the record.
How to Use Them
Look for the Birth Date: Check the entry for a specific birth date mentioned.
Calculate the Gap: If no birth date is listed, count back from the baptism date (e.g., 7-10 days is common for earlier periods).
Use as a Proxy: If all else fails, the baptism date is a reliable proxy for the birth date in research. |
