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.
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
Umayute’: Divorce
Divorce. The earliest information known about the Ancient Chamorro/CHamoru style of divorce comes from the notes of Fray Juan Pobre de Zamora.
Chamorro Culture
Folktale: Chaife’s Lost Soul
God of the underworld. Chaife was the god of the underworld, according to one Guam legend.