Mosaicos culturales: Los compadres

The concept of Godparents in Spanish-speaking countries

Padrino and Madrina are two Spanish words for Godfather and Godmother, a traditional role throughout Latin America when a trusted adult is chosen by the parents to help with the care and development of a child. A godparent is often an honorary title in Anglo-American culture, their main responsibility being participation in the baptism ceremony. In Latin American culture, it is quite the opposite. Godparents are involved in many aspects of the child’s life ­– for their entire life and they create a strong bond with the parents as well. The word for godchild in Spanish is Ahijado and Ahijada. Parents and godparents call each other: compadre and comadre.

Selecciona  (V) verdadero o (F) falso:

1. “Los Padrinos” are chosen only for religious purposes only.      (V)   (F)
2. The “ahijados” usually keep in contact with their godparents throughout their life. (V) (F)
3. The relationship between the parents and the godparents of their children is called: “compadres” (V)  (F)