Ancient Guam Era
Uritao: Bachelor
When Chamorro/CHamoru males reached puberty during ancient times, they were sent to live at the Guma’ Uritao, a house for bachelors. The bachelors would live
Ancient Guam Era
Guma’ Uritao
I mangguma’ uritao, men’s houses, were houses for young CHamoru men in the Mariana Islands from ancient times until the late 1600s (‘I’ means ‘the’;
Chamorro Culture
Folktale: Sirena
The mythological maiden, Sirena, in the ‘I Tetehnan’ manuscript is considered a proverb, and not a legend.
Ancient Guam Era
Fouha Bay: Cradle of Creation
Fouha Bay, located just north of Humåtak on Guam’s southern west coast at the mouth of Fua River, holds thousands of years of meaningful history.
Ancient Guam Era
Saina: Gender Roles
Since ancient times, Chamorro/CHamoru society has assigned both distinct and overlapping roles by gender. Both parents participate in family decisions, provide continuing support of their
Ancient Guam Era
Saina: Elders
Parents and other elders are important in Chamorro/CHamoru family and culture. CHamorus gain respect and status as they age.
Ancient Guam Era
Poksai: Informal Adoption
Poksai is a CHamoru verb meaning “to nurture.” It refers to the common Pacific Islander practice of informal adoption among extended family members.
Ancient Guam Era
Familia
Familia, a Spanish word meaning family, has a more inclusive definition in CHamoru. The term familia includes not only one’s immediate family members, but the
Ancient Guam Era
Matå’pang: Matapang
History will remember Maga’låhi Matå’pang from Tomhom (Tumon) as the man responsible for murdering Father Diego Luís de San Vitores, the Spanish Jesuit priest who
Ancient Guam Era
Hurao
Hurao is one of the most celebrated Chamorro/CHamoru chiefs in Guam’s history. He was a Hagåtña Chamorri (high caste) in the late 1600’s, who with