Significance
This is one of a series of photos that document John Turnbull’s First Communion. They are representative of this important rite of passage in the Catholic Church in the 1950s.
The sacrament of First Communion is an important tradition for Catholic families and individuals. Originally this was celebrated when a child was 10, 12 or even 14 years of age, however in 1910, Pope Pius X issued the decree Quam singulari, which changed the age at which First Communion is taken to 7 years old.
Traditions of celebration surrounding First Communion usually include family gatherings and parties to celebrate the event. The first communicant wears special clothing. The clothing is often white to symbolize purity. It is more elaborate for girls but boys wear ‘Sunday best’; it could be a suit and tie or even a tuxedo.
Many families have formal professional photographs taken in addition to candid snapshots in order to commemorate the event and some churches arrange for a professional photographer to attend after the ceremony.
Physical description
A black and white photo of 2 boys taken on the occasion of their First Communion. They are all wearing white shirts with ties. The boy on the RHS is also wearing a badge. A third boy is in the background and behind him is a large cypress tree and a brick building with a cross at the apex of the roof.
Inscriptions & markings
On rear in black ink: "John (on right) with / his partner, first / Holy Communion / On / 28/10/51".
Below this in John Turnbull's writing: "LAD ON LEFT IS TERRY RYAN"
Photo processing stamp in purple ink within a border: "ALPHA / PHOTO SERVICE / BOX HILL" plus stamp "2107"
