A Wiccaning or Paganing is a Neopagan ritual analogous to the christening or baptism of an infant.
In accordance with the importance put on free will in Neopagan traditions, infants are not necessarily expected to choose a Pagan path for themselves when they grow older.
The ceremony, like its Christian equivalent, is focused on the parents' beliefs and the family's communal commitment to look after the child.
[2][3] A Wiccaning can take many forms, drawn from older pagan traditions, folklore, and the more modern beliefs of the individuals involved.
[1] Other aspects of the ritual may include sprinkling silvered water on the infant's forehead as part of a saining (Scottish rite for blessing and consecrating)[5] or passing the child over a fire.