kummisetä

Kummisetä is the Finnish word for godfather. In a religious context, it refers to a male sponsor who, along with the godmother, makes vows on behalf of a baptized child who is the godchild. The role of the godfather is traditionally to provide spiritual guidance and support to the child throughout their life, and to ensure they are raised in the Christian faith. This role is established during the sacrament of baptism in many Christian denominations.

Beyond religious traditions, the term "kummisetä" can also be used in a more informal, secular sense to describe a close male friend or relative who takes on a nurturing or protective role in a child's life, even without a formal religious ceremony. This usage often implies a deep personal bond and a commitment to the child's well-being and development. The concept of a godfather signifies a trusted individual outside the immediate parental unit who contributes to a child's upbringing and support system.