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Marriage

Chamorro Culture, Historic Eras of Guam, Marriage, Our Heritage, Spanish Era

Matrimony and Social Change in the Marianas during Spanish Times

Ancient Chamorros/CHamorus customarily chose their own spouses, rather than their families dictating who they would choose for a partner. The bride and groom’s families, however, had to approve of the choice. The groom provided gifts ranging from food items to services and even land, to the bride’s family to gain their acceptance.

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Chamorro Culture, Marriage, Our Heritage

Mamaisen Saina: Marriage Rituals

In ancient times in the Mariana Islands, three or four days before a wedding the relatives on both sides worked together to beat and clean the rice, which they then ground and mixed with young coconut (månha) into a dish called laulau. On the day before the marriage the female relatives prepared breadfruit, roots, and fish, while the men gathered wood and constructed a temporary shelter for the ceremony.

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