medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
What was the late medieval custom regarding the number of godparents a child
should have? And how active a part did the godparents take at the baptism? I
know the medieval godparent was expected to sponsor the child when possible,
to help towards its future with contacts for a position or a marriage even
if not with money, and often supplied a name as well. But what was the
actual ceremony like?
I'm familiar with the modern Anglican and Church of Scotland customs. There
are three godparents for an Anglican (two the same gender as the child, one
the opposite) and they actually have to affirm their willingness to oversee
its upbringing in the faith; there are two or three godparents for a small
Scot, who do little other than join the procession into the service at the
appropriate moment, the godmother carrying the baby which she then hands to
its mother, and since the parents take on the responsibility of a Christian
upbringing the godparents are not required to speak except when the entire
congregation agrees to keep an eye on the child. I don't know if either
pattern is closely based on the older one.
Any help would be received with gratitude.
Pat
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