Description

Girl with white gloves holding a rosary with the crucifix visible. First Communion is the name for a person’s first reception of the sacrament of the Eucharist. This event is very important, as the Eucharist is one of the central focuses of the Church. First Communion is not practiced in Eastern Catholic Churches, which practice Infant Communion. First Communion is also celebrated by some Protestant denominations, particularly Lutherans, but is usually less elaborate. 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. Girls, especially, wear fancy dresses and often a veil attached to a headdress, as well as white gloves (long or short).