A cloud of white christening gowns

This gorgeous little christening gown is made of soft white cotton batiste. The hem and bodice are trimmed with lace. What makes this dress truly special is that it comes with a slip! The slip appears to be made of a different material, but you can judge for yourself at the Tsjerkepaad on Saturday afternoons at the church in Tirns. From July 4 through September 12, a special collection of christening gowns will be on display there on Saturday afternoons, donated by people who are connected in one way or another to the village of Tirns or to the parish of Ysbrechtum-Tjalhuizum-Tirns.

This artistic and lovingly crafted christening gown is at least 86 years old, but was likely in use by the family even before that. It is a small christening gown, suitable for newborn babies. On the first Sunday after the birth, the father brought the child to the baptismal font. The mother was not present at that time. This is known from the five sisters who wore this gown.

A beautiful and well-organized collection of christening gowns is on display this summer in the charming little church in Tirns.

Jelly Mellema, Janneke Clarisse, and Jan van Berkum