Ancient Guam Era
Mo’na: Circular Concept of History
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
Chamorro Culture
Pattida: Dividing Family Land Among Children
Ancient Chamorro/CHamoru people formed a matrilineal society and so inheritance and descent was through the mother’s family. Land was communal property that the clan used
Chamorro Culture
Mother’s Brothers
Ancient Chamorros were a matrilineal society, where family connections were traced through the mother’s clan. Land ownership was through women, and was distributed through these
Chamorro Culture
Mythological Depictions of Men
In ancient Chamorro/CHamoru society men were depicted as creators and as having superhuman strength. People used these concepts to attempt to make sense of the
Chamorro Culture
Folktale: Puntan Påtgon
The legend of Puntan Påtgon (Child’s Point) is a folktale about a powerful man who becomes envious of his child’s superior strength:
Chamorro Culture
CHamoru/Chamorro Proverbs
Proverbs are popular sayings, phrases of wisdom, or simply a piece of advice. Proverbs express a people’s basic beliefs and values. CHamoru proverbs are often
Chamorro Culture
Dowry Presentation: Marriage Rituals
On the night before a wedding in ancient Guam, the two families met to present the chenchule’ (ceremonial gifts) to the mother of the groom.
Chamorro Culture
Magutos i Finihu: Marriage Rituals
When a young man and woman were attracted to each other during ancient times on Guam, the man would let his mother know when he
Chamorro Culture
Mamaisen Saina: Marriage Rituals
In ancient times in the Mariana Islands, three or four days before a wedding the relatives on both sides worked together to beat and clean
Chamorro Culture
Kulepbla: Snake
The snake first entered Guam, the CHamoru language and CHamoru consciousness hundreds of years before it physically arrived.