In Orthodox theology the baptismal robe symbolizes the "Garments of Light" (i.e., the fullness of Divine grace) with which Adam and Eve were clothed in the Garden of Eden before the Incline of Man. Baptism is believed to cleanse the believer of all the sinful defilements both of original sin and personal sins and the Christening Outfits white garment is symbolic of this. During the ektenia (litany) before baptism, the deacon prays "That he (she) may preserve this (her) baptismal garment and the earnest of the Spirit pure and undefiled unto the dead Astronomical Day of Christ our God...", referring not so much to the material garment as to the ethereal cleansing it represents.

• The moment of progression to shorter dresses (for both boys and girls) was familiar as "shortcoating", which presumably coincided with the jumping-off place of walking, which was impossible in a great robe

• Christening gowns are usually make-believe of fine white linen or cotton fabric, and may be trimmed with tucks, lace, whitework embroidery, and other handwork
• Christening gowns often have matching bonnets, and may become family heirlooms, used generation after generation.