Birth and baptism commemorative document

The ceremonial christening of the Bavarian hereditary prince took place just one day after his birth on 26 August 1845 in the "Stone Hall" at Nymphenburg Palace (Schloss Nymphenburg). Many people had gathered in front of the palace and in the streets of Nymphenburg. The houses were decorated with flags, flowers and wreaths. Archbishop Lothar Anselm Freiherr von Gebsattel (1761-1846) performed the ceremony. The godfathers were grandfather King Ludwig I (1786-1868), great uncle King Friedrich Wilhelm IV of Prussia (1795-1861) and uncle King Otto of Greece (1815-1867). The infant also received his first names from them, Otto Ludwig Friedrich Wilhelm.

A few days after the christening, King Ludwig I succeeded in convincing the newborn’s parents that their son should be named Ludwig. The reason for this was that his grandson had come into the world on the feast day of Saint Louis (Ludwig), which was also his own birthday. As a result, the hereditary prince, who was christened Otto, was called Ludwig in future. This can already be seen on the artistically designed commemorative document with blessings, which was printed on the occasion of the Bavarian hereditary prince’s birth and christening in August 1845. On it is noted that “mighty cannon blasts by the capital’s thundering cannon woke noble, drunk on joy inhabitants from their sweet morning slumber.” On the left side of the commemorative document the place of birth is shown with the words: "Nymphenburg, in thee rose the star of joy, which sent us the Lord’s grace from heaven". On the right you can see Wittelsbach Castle (Burg Wittelsbach) – the "place of origin of Bavarian princes". The birth is therefore placed in the dynastic tradition of the House of Wittelsbach.

Julia Misamer