The role of the Godparents 

A godparent, overall, is someone chosen as a child's mentor or guide. Someone who will lead them towards the right path. They make a commitment to forever help them stray towards the right path. They are like second parents who will help with the upbringing and development of the child. 

This practice can be seen in the Spanish colonial families during the colonial period, where the tradition was also a catholic baptism practice, which also included the child having a Godparent or (Padrinos). The Godparents were responsible for helping raise the child spiritually, so now we can see the way that it aligns with the Maya ceremony, the Hetzmek or Jets' Mek'. The Maya and the Spanish both have very similar aspects. 

In our interview with Mrs. Cob(2 April,2025), it was explained that the Godparent can be the same Godparent for the Baptism and Jets' Mek ' ceremonies. They play a crucial role in the ceremony with the child. During this event, the Godparent will walk with the child on their left hip and will walk around in a clockwise and anticlockwise rotation, handing the child objects that will symbolize or represent future skills. The Godparent is important because they will help to guide the child in life, and often the same godparent is chosen for the child's baptism. 

Both Christian baptism and Hetzmek carried the idea of a godparent being present in a child's life. So while they did have Spanish influences, they both share the same idea of a godparent being the guidance and protector of the child. Therefore, allowing the same Godparents to be used in both ceremonies. The godparent is an important figure in order for the child to be guided and mentored in their religious belief, but also to develop the skills and morals needed to help them prosper in life. The meaning and importance of a godparent has not been entirely changed; therefore still holds its core meaning of what it truly is.