Ancient Guam Era
Prebirth
The pattera (nurse midwife) and suruhånu (traditional doctor) played important roles, especially when it came to pre-birth-to-birth events in the family. They assumed the roles
Birth and Childhood Practices
First Holy Communion and Confirmation
Church rites. Primera Kumuñon (First Holy Communion) and Komfetmasion (Confirmation) are church rites that have become CHamoru traditions among Catholics.
Ancient Guam Era
Birth
The birth of a child is the most important family event in CHamoru society. It marks the beginning of family celebrations and obligations that define
Birth and Childhood Practices
Baotismo: Baptism
In the past, picking a name for the child was a family affair. In the early matrilineal CHamoru society, the name of a newborn child