the same as a naming ceremony or christening? or is it a party for a mum-to-be?

A baby shower is typically held for the mom-to-be before the baby is born. It usually involves silly party game, cake, and gifts for the new baby.

Hope that helps.

Naming ceremony is a Jewish ceremony for the birth of a girl AFTER she is born. Christening/Baptism is for Christians, boy or girl, AFTER they are born. A baby shower is for Christians BEFORE they have their baby. Some people of jewish faith do not believe in baby showers before the baby is born as it is seen as bad luck. They prefer to wait until after. HTH

I need to change my post from above to state that a baby shower is NOT just for Christians. A shower isn't a religious ceremony. When I reread my post I didn't want to be confusing to you. I just wanted to clarify the Jewish outlook on showers that some have. Sorry.

Thanks for your answers. I must admit I was pretty sure showers were held in anticipation of the event - but was flummoxed because I could not see a gallery area for nameday/christening cakes. I have looked several times but must just be having a truly dense day. Likewise, when I came to look for a gallery to post a 'leaving work' cake - assumed it should go in the 'retirement' gallery as that was the closest. It's been one of those days...

Added: please do point me in the right direction!

and typically the showers are held for the first baby, not every baby someone has - it is a way to give the couple the basics they need to start out with. Kind of like only having a bridal shower for the first wedding.

"leaving work cake" Humm... as in retiring? If you mean changing jobs or becoming SAHM or going back to school, those are not usually celebrated with a cake. You might get taken out lunch or for a drink after work, but it isn't usually a cake type of thing.

Concerning christening cakes, check out Baptism cakes under religious.

Our family gives baby showers for every baby to welcome it into the world and to make the mommy feel special. I myself had 4 LOL

Baptismal!!!! It had to be that obvious didn't it, but I still couldn't find it. I thought it was unlikely you didn't have a section - jus so focussed on 'christening' didn't think laterally..

Try looking in First Communion cakes; the themes are similiar:

http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-photos_thumb_21.html

try just "baptism" also