What does a "Mormon" baptism look like?

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints children can be baptized when they are eight years old. Currently baptisms for these children are conducted monthly and organized by the stake and ward (congregation)  leaders. They are structure based on the needs of the members of those congregations. The set up may be different around the world, but the ordinance will always be the same.

At every baptism for an eight-year old, you will see the child and the priesthood holder dressed in white. In our area they wear a white jumpsuit. There will be a program with music, prayers, talks--one on baptism and one on the Holy Ghost. The baptism takes place in a font which is like a rectangular jacuzzi tub with steps on two sides. The font is in a room of the church building. Not every Mormon church building has a font. There's usually one building in each stake (a stake consists of several wards) with a font.

In the font the priesthood holder holds the right child's wrist with his left hand so the child can plug his nose when it's time. This has no spiritual significance. Then with his right hand raised to the square (like the right turn signal for biking) he says, "[Child's name]. Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen” (D&C 20:73). He then supports the child's back and dips him below the surface of the water. The child must be immersed or completely covered by water. If a part of the body is not immersed, the ordinance is repeated. Two witnesses stand outside the font to check that the ordinance is performed correctly. Family and friends also watch.

Afterwards the child and priesthood holder change into dry clothes and the confirmation is performed. This is another ordinance where the child receives the gift of the Holy Ghost. He sits on a chair and men who hold the priesthood place their right hands on his head, their left on the shoulder of the next man so there's a complete circle. The man performing the ordinance places both of his hands on the child's head. Then the ordinance is given with exact words plus additional blessings and counsel that the man feels inspired to give. The child is now a member of the church and has the Holy Ghost which will guide him.

This past Saturday my youngest child was baptized. Seeing one of my children baptized is a highlight of being a mom. Since our stake has eleven wards and many children who will be baptized each month, we have an outlined policy so every child will be included. The baptisms are usually held he first Saturday of the month for all children who turned eight that month. We have three sessions at specified times with three or four wards per group.

Convert baptisms or those for anyone over nine-years old are similar to eight-year old baptisms but don't have to take place on a specified day. Those are arranged through the missionaries.

You will see at every baptism family and friends who are there to love and support and welcome the child or convert as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Even though the ordinance is short and simple, I feel warm and happy every time I see a baptism, especially those of my own children.