Query Regarding Symbols in Baptism Entries

[Janet Waterhouse]

Hello,

While transcribing baptism records, I have noticed that some entries are marked with a symbol resembling either a capital 'C' or, in some cases, a capital 'O'.

Could you please clarify what these symbols signify?

Regards,

Janet

[Bookbox]

As far as I know these aren't standard symbols, so it's guesswork.

The half-circle might indicate the first part of the baptism, perhaps done at home, and the other half of the circle would be added when the rites were completed and the child was received into the church? Just a suggestion.

[Janet Waterhouse]

Thank you, Bookbox,

Are you suggesting that a private baptism was initially marked with a 'C', and later changed to an 'O' once the individual was formally received into the church?

[Bookbox]

Are you suggesting that a private baptism was initially marked with a 'C', and later changed to an 'O' once the individual was formally received into the church?

Yes, that was my suggestion. In the example shown above, the 'O' appears to be written as two semi-circles, not a true letter 'O'. But, as I say, it's guesswork.

[Phenmark]

Or when the  person died, as in the first entry. Circle of life?

[Janet Waterhouse]

I have encountered an additional instance that likely confirms the symbolic use of a ‘half circle’ and a ‘full circle’. The half circle appears to denote a private baptism, while the full circle - accompanied by a date -indicates the individual’s formal reception into the church.

This evidence supports the interpretation proposed by Bookbox.

Thank you to all who contributed to this discussion.

Regards,

Janet