The social ranking of individuals, whether by age, gender or social status, has always been important in Chamorro society. In pre-Spanish times, social status dictated occupations and activities, living situations, marriage rules, social etiquette and taboos, and access to power, wealth and prestige in the form of control over land and ocean resources.
Social Classes in Traditional CHamoru Society Read Post »
Fino’ gualåfon was a style of language developed and used by young bachelors in ancient CHamoru society. The term fino’ gualåfon translates as follows: “fino’” is language and “gualåfon” is the full phase of the moon, or specifically, full moon language or language of the full moon.
Fino’ Gualåfon: Moonlight Talk Read Post »
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 »
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.
Divorce. The earliest information known about the Ancient Chamorro/CHamoru style of divorce comes from the notes of Fray Juan Pobre de Zamora.
Kottot (pronounced koe-toot) is a rectangular basket made from the leaves of the åkgak (awhk-gak) tree, which is the Screw pine (pandanus tectorious). The kottot was used for a ceremonial presentation of gifts of rice as a type of chenchule’ (CHamoru system of exchange).
Kottot: Marriage Rituals Read Post »
Freycinet also noted that an examination of CHamoru words and phrases supports the idea that the islanders were knowledgeable about astronomy and maritime arts. For instance CHamorus had names for the stars.
Ancient CHamoru Calendar Read Post »
First used in the 16th Century. Inscribed on the Great Seal of Guam are the words “Tano I’ ManChamorro,” or Land of the Chamorros/CHamorus.
Origin of CHamoru as an Ethnic Identifier Read Post »
In ancient Chamorro/CHamoru society, each CHamoru was expected to possess knowledge and ability in a wide range of skilled, but unspecialized tasks, generally dictated by gender. For example, women were expected to be skilled in the weaving of many objects, and men were to be skilled at fabrication of basic tools. All CHamorus were expected to know many different fishing and farming techniques.
Mangkalamya: Skilled Artisans Read Post »
Aniti is the ancient CHamoru word which meant spirit. In its contemporary use, it has evolved to mean evil spirit or demon though some people are using it again to mean spirit.
