Godparent facts for kids
A godparent is an adult who sponsors a child during a formal religious ceremony or rite. Many religions have godparents or other adults who do something almost the same. These religions include Christianity & Judaism. Usually a godparent must be a member of the religion of the child. The role of a god parent is to also give the god child a gift, small or big, money, toys, etc. Mainly on Sundays.
Originally a godparent was someone who agreed to help raise the child and help them to become a good member of the religion. They may also have taken over as parent to the child if both its real parents died. Today, the role of godparent is not often a formal one, and has no real responsibility to the child. A female child of a godparent is a goddaughter. A male child of a godparent is a godson.
Images for kids
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Detail from the "Baptism Window" at St. Mary's Episcopal Cathedral in Memphis, Tennessee, showing godparents from the mid-20th century.
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A Roman Catholic priest baptizing a child.
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The baptismal font at the Cathedral of Magdeburg
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A child being baptized with her parents and godparents.
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Brit milah—the sandek holds the baby boy
See also
In Spanish: Padrino para niños
