old custom of registering a child with a monk or adoptive parents for longevity
Meanings
1 sense · 4 examplesverb
to register a child with a monk, nun, or adoptive parents (an old custom to pray for the child's health and longevity)
archaicRefers to the traditional Chinese folk practice where parents of a fragile or sickly child would register the child under the care of a Buddhist monk, Taoist priest, or adoptive parents (干爹/干妈). This was believed to transfer the child's 'fate' to a hardier guardian, ensuring survival and longevity. The custom has largely faded in modern urban areas but persists in some rural regions.
In the past, many families would have their children registered at temples.
When he was young, he was registered under a Taoist priest to pray for peace and longevity.
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This custom of registering children with monks is rarely seen in modern times.
To ensure their child grew up healthy, they decided to register their son with the old monk in the temple.