Chamorro Culture
Che’lu/Mañe’lu: Siblings
Che’lu is a Chamorro term for a sibling; brother or sister. Mañe’lu is the plural form of che’lu, referring to more than one sibling.
Chamorro Culture
Sottera/Sotteru: Teenagers
Derived from the Spanish term “soltera” for an unmarried female and “soltero” for an unmarried male, the Chamorized terms “sottera” and “sotteru” are used to
Ancient Guam Era
Ancient CHamoru/Chamorro Calendar
Freycinet also noted that an examination of CHamoru words and phrases supports the idea that the islanders were knowledgeable about astronomy and maritime arts. For
Chamorro Culture
Hineksa’ Nina’i: Gift of Rice
Rice was an important ceremonial food during ancient times in the Mariana Islands. At a wedding party, which usually took place in the morning at
Chamorro Culture
Ninana: Motherhood
A precise understanding of Chamorro/CHamoru concepts or designations requires a fundamental understanding of the Chamorro worldview, inafa’maolek, which is a social practice of interdependence and
Catholic
Santa Marian Kamalen
Santa Marian Kamalen, also known as Our Lady of Camarin, is the patron saint of Guam. The 300-year-old Santa Marian Kamalen statue is a revered
Chamorro Culture
Hale’ta: CHamoru Cultural Traditions
In CHamoru society, events that celebrate life from beginning to end are interwoven into the traditions of the Catholic Church, and are celebrated to demonstrate
Ancient Guam Era
Origin of CHamoru/Chamorro as an Ethnic Identifier
First used in the 16th Century. Inscribed on the Great Seal of Guam are the words “Tano I’ ManChamorro,” or Land of the Chamorros/CHamorus.
Chamorro Culture
Fiestas
In the long ago past, there were no fiestas. What was practiced were gatherings of clans to celebrate special events such as harvesting of a
Chamorro Culture
CHamoru/Chamorro Surnames
Traditionally, CHamorus didn’t have surnames. Each person was known by a first name and was probably referred to also according to his clan name.