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First Communion

Two young girls are dressed in lacey dresses, gloves and a headdress with flowers. Both girls are holding a bible.

Hector LeBlanc Collection

Written by the Grade 5/6 students at JW Inglis Elementary School in Lumby, British Columbia:

These girls are all dressed up for their first Communion celebration.

As most of Lumby’s early population were of French descent, First Communion was a very important part of a child’s religious development.  The event marked the child’s faith and belief in Christ and usually occurred when the child was between 7 and 13 years old.  It was also a very special social time when families would gather in celebration.

Special clothing was worn during First Communion.  Girls wore fancy dresses, gloves and a veil attached to a wreath of flowers.  The girl’s clothing and accessories were normally white.  Boys wore their best Sunday clothes or a suit.