Chamorro Culture
Kulepbla: Snake
The snake first entered Guam, the CHamoru language and CHamoru consciousness hundreds of years before it physically arrived.
Chamorro Culture
Hilitai: Monitor Lizard
The hilitai or monitor lizard (Varanus tsukamotoi) was introduced to the island before European contact in the 1500’s. It is black or dark green with
Chamorro Culture
Babuen Kuresma: Lenten Boar
Modern-day Guam is a predominantly Catholic society. Some beliefs have passed through generations preserving the practices of the Lenten Season, one of which is of
Ancient Guam Era
Utak: Itak
The utak or itak (Phaethon lepturu) is a bird Chamorros/CHamorus believe plays a role as providing an omen of life and death. The bird is
Chamorro Culture
CHåmpada: Social Competition for Status
Competition for rank and status. As in any culture, Chamorros/CHamorus compete against themselves in various ways, whether at the level of individuals, families, neighborhoods, villages
Chamorro Culture
Fumatinas Titiyas yan Fuma’gasi Magagu: Places of Romance
Prior the Spanish colonization of Guam, Chamorro culture was fairly liberal about issues of romance, marriage and sex, even when compared with the norms of
Chamorro Culture
Ma’goddai: Strong Urge
The Chamorro term ma’goddai can be described as a strong feeling one gets when they admire someone because of their appearance such as being poki
Chamorro Culture
Mamåhlao: Shame
The phrase Chamorro/CHamoru parents say to their children that best illustrates the core CHamoru value of respetu (respect) is “Mungga na un ma’ mamåhlao.” (Don’t
Chamorro Culture
Låncho: Ranch
The word “låncho” comes from the word Spanish word “rancheria” and refers to Chamorro farms, ranches, gardens, or family property in the hålomtåno’ (jungle), and
Chamorro Culture
Gadao yan Otro Pinenta Siha: Traditional Art
Discussing the pre-colonial arts of Chamorros is a difficult task. Documents by the Spanish who first made contact with Chamorros are limited.