<P> Some Chinese communities practise the custom of matching a child with a relative or family friend who becomes the godmother (乾 媽) or godfather (乾 爹). This practice is largely non-religious in nature, but commonly done to strengthen ties or to fulfill the wish of a childless adult to have a "son / daughter". In most circumstances, an auspicious day is selected during which a ceremony takes place, involving the godchild paying his / her respects to his new godfather / godmother in the presence of relatives or friends . </P> <P> Alternatively, as it is already common in Chinese kinship to use kinship terms among people that are not related (e.g. addressing a respected coworker as "brother" or one's father's friend may be referred to as "uncle"), an older friend or family friend with a deep friendship and a sufficient age gap will also informally address the other as his godparent or godchild, a gesture often initiated by the older person . </P>

What is the meaning of being a godparent