First Communion
The First Communion (First Holy Communion) is a Roman Catholic ceremony. It is the colloquial name for a person's first celebration of the sacrament of the Eucharist. Catholics believe this event to be very important, as the Eucharist one of the central focuses of the Catholic Church.
Sacrament
First Communion is most often celebrated by children around the age of seven or eight, when they have reached the "age of reason" and are capable of participating in the sacramental life of the Catholic Church. First Communion is to be preceeded by the sacraments of baptism and reconciliation. If a person has not been baptized as a baby or small child, they will usually be baptized shortly before their First Communion.
According to the decree released by Pope Pius X in 1910, entitled "Quam Singulari", the sacrament of penance must be received before First Communion. The Code of Canon Law c.914 states "It is the responsibility...of parents...as well as of the pastor to see that children who have reached the use of reason are correctly prepared and are nourished by the divine food as early as possible, preceded by sacramental confession; it is also for the pastor to be vigilant lest any children come to the Holy Banquet who have not reached the use of reason".
While this sacrament usually takes place when the person is still a child, it can be celebrated at any age provided the person has never celebrated the sacrament of the Eucharist before.
Traditions
First Communion is traditionally a big event for Catholic families.
Traditions surrounding First Communion usually include large family gatherings and parties to celebrate the child's First Communion.
Special clothing is usually worn. The clothing is often white, to symbolize purity, and girls especially wear fancy dresses and often a short veil. In some communities in the United States the practice of buying a special dress for First Communion is becoming increasingly extravagent, with the prices of these dresses sometimes going over $200 or more. In other communities it is more common for girls to wear dresses that have been passed down to them from their sisters or mothers.
Gifts are usually given and often this will include gifts of a religious nature, such as rosaries, prayer books and religious statues and icons.
Many families will also take this opportunity to have formal, professional photographs taken, in addition to the many candid photos of the day.