Back on topic:
In my view ships are christened! They are given a name just like children....and yes they are children. Those that serve on them become the parents and like human parents, must work on their children to make them become great adults. Sometimes its hard work sometimes not. Sometimes they require hospital treatment that the parents cannot give. In the end the child must be given up to what the good Lord has planned.
Christening a ship goes back to BC. Sacrifices where often made and the blood of the sacrificed animal was poured on the deck to keep the ship safe.
Hello Rod
I really like your thoughts here - the ship needing to be taught things, and looked after etc.
However, hope you won't be Very cross with me - or worse still, threaten to quit - again!
Christening is definitely an AD word - Partly because, in all the years BC - there couldn't be a 'christ'ening.
However in earlier days there was a naming, and in the case of ships, as well as debutantes and new models - there was launching too
The only thing I'm still slightly uncertain about is the title 'Launcheress'.
Before the Very recent invention of a ship's godmother (madrina in Italy), I wonder how Cunard used to refer to the 'Ladies' who launched their ships...
Rosie
