Ninong and Ninang Culture in the Philippines
Being a godparent is a very significant part of life in the Filipino culture. Godparents are required on many different occasions, including weddings (also known as major sponsors), baptisms, communions, and confirmations of children, especially since the Philippines is a particularly religious nation. Being a godparent entails adopting the position of a second parent for a kid or a couple, serving as a mentor with the duty to support them socially, emotionally, and even financially.
In the Philippines, receiving a godparent invitation is a really humble event. However, if you have a different set of values than they do, nobody should make you adopt them. Your beliefs regarding spirituality, morality, and religion should be consistent with your position as a godparent. Additionally, you must be concerned about the child's welfare. Being a godparent also requires you to attend the ceremony so you can see the child or couple come into the world.
It is a common belief in the Philippines that a ninong's or ninang's duty during the Christmas season is to present their godchildren with gifts. While not obligatory, this is one of the Christmastime customs where kids visit their godparents' home for pamamasko (A Christmas tradition). What's one chance a year to get to know your godchildren better and brighten their Christmas?
What Being a Ninong or Ninang Really Means
MANO PO, NINONG MANO PO, NINANG
Ador Torres, who wrote the lyrics for this classic Christmas song, and Manuel Sr. Villar uses the idea of gift-giving to show how well-liked godparents are over the Christmas season. Jokes about being pursued by a glut of aginaldo-seeking godchildren are frequent during this season, as though distributing money or presents is the exclusive responsibility of the ninong or ninang. But is this the extent of what being a godparent entails?
A brief history of godparents
The ninong and ninang are a part of the "compadrazgo relationships," according to Suzanna Roldan, a Sociology and Anthropology professor at the Ateneo de Manila University. These relationships were brought about by Spanish colonization and included Christian rituals like baptism, confirmation, and marriage. Our ancestors were already marking life events with rituals and social sanctions before the arrival of the Spanish, thus they were able to embrace the compadre/comare notion with ease. According to anthropologists who research kinship systems, we identify our family based on their biological, social, and cultural links. We identify our family by looking at their biological ties, adoption, marriage, and in-law connections, according to Roldan. "One group of relatives expands the definition of family. These relationships are known as "fictive kin," or kinship created by rituals that can be present in most, if not all, communities. The compadrazgo system, in our case, is how we maintain tight social ties with people who aren't necessarily our family.
The ninong or ninang take on the role of spiritual advisors in addition to acting as witnesses to their godchildren joining a religious group or being married. "Godparents are expected to aid in the spiritual development of the kid if the child's parents were deceased. If they are godparents to a couple, they should be able to offer spiritual guidance on how to foster healthy marital or parental relationships. We want godparents who can raise children as devout Christians. But this goes beyond spiritual upbringing and includes providing for a child's actual needs when the parents are unable to do so due to a loss in the family, a job requirement, or other circumstances, says Roldan.
Choosing godparents
Up until now, parents have typically chosen trustworthy godparents who are positive role models and share their ideals when it comes to raising children. Additionally important are social proximity or personal ties to godparents. Roldan explains, "When choosing a godparent, parents choose someone who is very close to the family or interacts frequently with them. Our ninong and ninang are frequently our parents' siblings, playmates' relatives, or our childhood barkada, who we are confident we can entrust with our kids in the event that something were to happen to us.
Sometimes, choosing is also influenced by financial considerations. Political leaders, wealthy members of society, or someone who has attained high occupational positions that indicate status are examples of "some parents selecting well-known, high-status ninong and ninang whom one can turn to in times of need—even if they do not have a strong personal relationship with those individuals."
Choosing a Ninong (godfather) or Ninang (godmother) for a child's christening has long been a tradition in the Philippines. In fact, during child dedication, this custom was expanded upon in the evangelical block. Some people gain ninong and ninang through friendship, some through fame, and some through affinities.
However, some people purchase ninongs and ninangs without understanding their functions in order to provide their children with a large number of gifts each Christmas.
What it is not to be a ninong or ninang
Baby baptism 1. It is not biblical to obtain a ninong or ninang. The obligation of receiving ninong or ninang for baptism or child dedication is not biblical, nor is infant baptism. Though not always biblical or necessary for Christianity, this is more akin to a tradition. Was getting ninong or ninang bad? Absolutely not, if it's done for the proper motives.
2. It's not about receiving several presents. Don't criticize Ninong and Ninang for receiving numerous Christmas gifts. Get someone who can impact your child's growth for the best. Why choose an inebriated ninong? Do you want your kids to have drinking problems? Why choose a spoiled, affluent egotist? Naturally, you want your child to be prosperous in the future, but you don't want them to be greedy.
3. Name tagging and affinity are not relevant. Filipinos frequently associate themselves with well-known people. Being associated with famous people, heroes, powerful persons in politics, and rich people makes us proud. You should give up on getting a ninong and ninang if it is your primary motivation.
4. Future security is not at issue. Ninong and ninang are NOT your children's financial assets. As your child develops, they might offer some gifts or guidance. However, it is your duty to provide for and educate your child. It would be excellent if they could assist your child acquire a job in the future, but it is a really poor justification for getting ninong and ninang. Actually, the whole picture is simply using them.
Godparenting in the Modern Age
These days, it's not unusual to have godparents show up in many pairs, swarming the newlyweds or the baptized child due of their sheer numbers. It's a sharp contrast to decades ago, when two godparents were sufficient to observe religious ceremonies. Roldan presents the following hypothesis as to why this has occurred: "Perhaps, it may be related to having fewer children today than before. When parents had fewer children, they made sure to choose deserving godparents for each of their offspring.
Sometimes, having a large social circle is the cause. Parents with children with one or two siblings and sizable social networks must designate several godparents per child in order to avoid alienating and upsetting their friends. However, some choose multiple godparents on purpose to spread out the cost of the celebration or increase the number of senior citizens they can consult for guidance.
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Written by Bermon O. Ferreras
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