Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

churching

noun

ˈtʃɜːrtʃɪŋ

Definition

The act of a woman attending church after childbirth to give thanks and receive blessings, traditionally observed in some Christian communities.

Examples

After the birth of her daughter, Maria participated in the churching service to mark her return to the community.
Many local churches hold a special ceremony for churching mothers to welcome them back from maternity leave.

Meaning

Churching refers to a ceremonial inclusion of a woman back into the church community, frequently celebrated after the birth of a child as a means of acknowledging her recovery and reinstating her spiritual role.