Chamorro Culture
Chenchule’: A System of Receiving
Gifting, in its many forms, is part of many cultural traditions across the Pacific. It can mean the sharing of food or song, home or
Voices of Our Elders Media Files
Project Contributors. Toni “Malia” Ramirez, Antonia Degracia Castro, and Pale’ Eric Forbes, OFM Cap..
Chamorro Culture
Matå’pang: Evolution of the Term
Evolution of the term. Matå’pang is a Chamorro/CHamoru word currently used to describe a person who is acting careless, rude or stupid. It is a
Ancient Guam: Religion
Animism
Ancient religious philosophy. Animism is the belief that everything in nature – living and non-living – contains a spirit or soul. In ancient CHamoru society,
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
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
Discipline
Codes of conduct. From what is written in historical texts about Guam and the Mariana Islands, Chamorro ancestors disciplined children though not by corporal punishment.
Chamorro Culture
Geftao: Unselfishness
In CHamoru culture many values are exhibited in daily life. Geftao (generous, giving in the CHamoru language) is an example of a principle that conveys
Ancient Guam Era
Aniti: Spirit
Aniti is the ancient CHamoru word which meant spirit. In its contemporary use, it has evolved to mean evil spirit or demon though some people