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
Birth and Childhood Practices
Baotismo: Baptism
In the past, picking a name for the child was a family affair. In the early matrilineal CHamoru society, the name of a newborn child
Chamorro Culture
Karabao: Water Buffalo
Karabao or carabao are water buffalo introduced to Guam from the Philippines during the Spanish occupation (1668 – 1898) for farming. In and since colonial
Chamorro Culture
Peninsulares
Two terms were used to differentiate the origin of the Spaniards residing In the 19th century colonial Philippines. A Spaniard born in Spain was referred
Chamorro Culture
Natural
Spanish administrative term. This name is given to the primitive Indians with whom the Spaniards settled the peace agreements, although their descendants had mixed by
Chamorro Culture
Mestizo (Mestisu)
During Spanish colonial rule in the Marianas, the term mestizo (mestisu in CHamoru) referred to a person of mixed parentage. In its original context, as
Ancient Guam Era
Warfare
Early European accounts of ancient Chamorro/CHamoru warriors marveled at their strength, skill and fearsome weapons. According to one missionary, CHamorus were amongst the strongest of
Chamorro Culture
Nina/Ninu
Nina (patlina) and Ninu (patlino) , meaning godmother and godfather in the Mariana Islands, respectively, are borrowed terms from the Spanish padrina and padrino. These