Land, lineage, traditions, and legacies
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.
CHamoru/Chamorro Surnames Read Post »
The “Better Known As” system. CHamorus have developed a way of identifying people other than their given names. Whether this “better known as” system came about because it was difficult to keep track of people due to many people having the same saint’s names, or from old clan names, can only be speculated upon.
CHamoru/Chamorro Nicknames Read Post »
In ancient Chamorro/CHamoru society, each CHamoru was expected to possess knowledge and ability in a wide range of skilled, but unspecialized tasks, generally dictated by gender. For example, women were expected to be skilled in the weaving of many objects, and men were to be skilled at fabrication of basic tools. All CHamorus were expected to know many different fishing and farming techniques.
Mangkalamya: Skilled Artisans Read Post »
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 are using it again to mean spirit.
Not all CHamorus fought valiantly against Spanish occupation. There were some who chose to side with the Spanish for a variety of reasons.
Kepuha (also spelled Quipuha) was a maga’låhi from Hagåtña, whose role in welcoming Spanish missionaries to Guam makes him a controversial figure in the island’s history. Kepuha was the first CHamoru to be baptized after he gave Padre Diego Luis de San Vitores the authority and land to start a Catholic mission in Hagåtña.
Manma’gas is the Chamorro/CHamoru word for leaders when referred to as a group. In ancient Guam, CHamoru leaders were usually the oldest members of clans and were looked up to for their guidance and wisdom. The male leader of a clan is referred to as the maga’låhi (eldest son) and the female as maga’håga (eldest daughter).
Manma’gas: Leaders Read Post »
Kantan Chamorita is the contemporary name given to traditional call-and-response, impromptu verse-making. Practitioners refer to the genre as ayotte’, meaning to throw (verses) back and forth.
The Matua controlled the most resources and lands and were the most politically powerful class. Historical accounts give us a clear image of their place in society, but less is known about the other two classes.
Mampolitiku: Politics Read Post »
A maga’låhi was the first born, high ranking (matua) male head of a CHamoru clan, a role inherited through his maternal lineage. Manmaga’låhi and manmaga’håga (female leaders of the clan) societal status and consideration varied, depending on the productivity of their clan’s land, ocean resources and manpower.
Maga’låhi: Highest Ranking Son Read Post »
