A godparent and a godchild usually form a special loving bond. To be asked to be a godparent is an honor. This ritual was performed frequently in the Appalachian region at one time.

To perform this ritual, the godchild should still be an infant. To begin, the godparent carries their godchild
outside. Then the godparent continues holding the child and walks the infant around their house three times. During this time, the godparent whispers secret hopes and wishes to the godchild. To end the ritual, the godparent returns the child gently to the crib. The godparent must never repeat what they said to their godchild, or the enchantment will be broken.