Revisit the past through oral histories, recordings and stories in the words of our manaina.
The word hinanao refers to “travel” and “travelers.” The Mariana Islands have hosted a multitude of travelers over the centuries such as Spanish Galleons, whaling ships, and the US Navy. In turn, CHamorus/Chamorros traveled out from the Marianas to other parts of Micronesia and the world for economic opportunities, education, and of course, adventure.
Hinanao: Travelers and Descendants of Travelers Read Post »
Christmas is an important holiday in the Mariana Islands, filled with activities that celebrate Christ’s birth. Many families have their own traditions they participate in every year. It is a
In the 1960s (1964 to be exact), in our small village of Toto, Christmas was a joyous time. As a youngster then, I wasn’t aware that it had only been 20 years since the war ended and people’s lives and homes were just beginning to rebuild from the devastation of the bombardment by the US forces in reclaiming the island from the Japanese and two devastating typhoons – Typhoon Lola in 1959 and Typhoon Karen in 1962.
A Toto Christmas, Circa 1964 Read Post »
I’ve grown up with a tremendous fascination for talk story. I’m going to share a bit of folklore in the hope that the young ones will initiate discussions at home especially because stay-at-home situations, as we have throughout this pandemic, foster talking and sharing.
Santa Marian Kamalen, also known as Our Lady of Camarin, is the patron saint of Guam. The 300-year-old Santa Marian Kamalen statue is a revered icon, and although its origins are unknown, they are explained through oral tradition.
Santa Marian Kamalen Read Post »
Puntan and Fu’una are the Chamorro/CHamoru creation gods. Puntan, a male, and Fu’una, a female, are brother and sister. The account of their creation of the world constitutes one of the most important oral histories of the CHamoru people.
Folktale: Puntan and Fu’una: Gods of Creation Read Post »
The mythological maiden, Sirena, in the ‘I Tetehnan’ manuscript is considered a proverb, and not a legend.
