The Chamorro/CHamoru word mo’na points to the idea that the CHamoru cosmology, in particular during the ancient period of Marianas history, was a circular one rather than linear.
Mo’na: Circular Concept of History Read Post »
Proverbs are popular sayings, phrases of wisdom, or simply a piece of advice. Proverbs express a people’s basic beliefs and values. CHamoru proverbs are often based on core values and practices of respect, generosity and honesty.
The snake first entered Guam, the CHamoru language and CHamoru consciousness hundreds of years before it physically arrived.
The hilitai or monitor lizard (Varanus tsukamotoi) was introduced to the island before European contact in the 1500’s. It is black or dark green with yellow or white spots covering its body.
Hilitai: Monitor Lizard Read Post »
Modern-day Guam is a predominantly Catholic society. Some beliefs have passed through generations preserving the practices of the Lenten Season, one of which is of a mythological boar – the babuen kuresma – that will bite or harm children for infractions committed during the observance of Lent that lasts for forty days.
Babuen Kuresma: Lenten Boar Read Post »
The utak or itak (Phaethon lepturu) is a bird Chamorros/CHamorus believe plays a role as providing an omen of life and death. The bird is native to the Caroline islands which are south of the Marianas.
Discussing the pre-colonial arts of Chamorros is a difficult task. Documents by the Spanish who first made contact with Chamorros are limited.
Gadao yan Otro Pinenta Siha: Traditional Art Read Post »
God of the underworld. Chaife was the god of the underworld, according to one Guam legend.
Folktale: Chaife’s Lost Soul Read Post »
The signature weapon of the ancient Chamorro/CHamoru warrior, slingstones of various sizes were sharpened at both ends and hurled from a sling with deadly force in combative times. Slingstones were also used for hunting birds.
Slingstones: Weapons Read Post »
The coconut, called niyok in Chamorro/CHamoru and cocos nucifera scientifically, is undoubtedly one of the most important native plant foods in the Mariana Islands. Chief among other plants of primary importance to the original CHamoru people including taro, breadfruit, yams, sugarcane, bananas, mangoes, and lemons, coconuts are a staple of ancient, colonial, and contemporary CHamoru horticulture.
