Ancient Guam Era
Ancient CHamoru/Chamorro Burial Practices
One of the distinguishing features of our humanity is the way in which people treat and understand death. Death is not only the end of
Ancient CHamoru/Chamorro Use of Human Bones
Archeological studies have revealed that during the Latte Period ancient CHamorus retrieved bones from deceased bodies after tissue had deteriorated, and used the bones for
Ancient Guam Era
Ancient CHamoru/Chamorro Burial Rituals
There is a dearth of written accounts of ancient CHamoru burial practices, but from the few historic descriptions available, the burial customs and rituals were
Techa: Traditional Prayer Leader
In the Mariana Islands, the techa is the traditional prayer leader who directs and recites the prayers and hymns for various religious activities within the
Chamorro Culture
Nobena: Novena (Catholic Devotional Prayers)
The nobena, or novena, is a series of devotional prayers said over the course of nine days that are associated with the various feasts of
Chamorro Culture
Bela: Wake or Vigil
Every human culture recognizes and accepts death as a natural part of life. Rituals, though, are often used by a society to sanctify death and
Burial Practices
Although death is an occasion for grief, the CHamorus consider it as a chance for the extended family throughout the island to gather and pray