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Click to know! Guampedia is a non-profit affiliate of the University of Guam with operations funded by the Government of Guam's Tourism Attraction Fund.
Reshaping Guam’s cultural landscape The emergence of COVID19 has ushered in an era of unprecedented global change. This global pandemic has brought with it new laws on quarantine and social distancing that threaten the cultural landscape of the island – no more man nginge' or wakes for now as we practice social distancing! Although these new changes come as a shock, Guam and its people have experienced their fair share of change throughout history.
Spanish reduccion In 1668, the first official mission to colonize the island of Guam was established. The Spanish missionaries put an end to long standing traditions such as the Guma Uritao, a center where young men learned traditional skills and customs such as seafaring, chanting, and storytelling. Despite this change, the CHamoru people were able to maintain some cultural practices through small rebellions. One such example is the continued use of the language. Rather than completely transitioning to the new Spanish language, CHamorus adopted many Spanish words while still maintaining their indigenous language structure. This language structure is still in use today.
Americanization In 1898 the island was transferred from Spain to the United States of America upon the signing of the Treaty of Paris. Under the Americans, new orders were put in place to limit religious festivities, social gatherings, and even speaking the CHamoru language. For the first 50 years, CHamorus had no hand in the governing of their island. Even in this challenging era, people continued to display their agency amidst this change
Spanish-era village scene. Courtesy of the Guam Museum
through petitions and protests that would lead to the establishment of an advisory board to the naval governor and ultimately self-governance in all three branches of local government.
World War II December 8, 1941, marked the beginning of yet another change to the island. For the next three years, the island of Guam would be occupied by the Japanese, putting most traditional celebrations and practices on halt. As the war progressed these restrictions became harsher, and people began to be separated from their ancestral lands, severing the physical connection to their past. In the midst of this situation, CHamorus still managed to maintain a sense of community through sharing land and food.
Rise of modern Guam In the decades following the end of WWII, CHamorus created for themselves a new period of economic, social, and cultural development. Out of the destruction of war came new industries, greater infrastructure, and a reinvigorated sense of cultural appreciation. Through examining the changes undergone by the people of Guam, we see a consistent display of resourcefulness, ingenuity, cooperation, and unwillingness to let go of cultural values. As we enter new ages that threaten the cultural landscape of the island, we draw inspiration from the past and embody these same characteristics to ensure the survival of the cultural values that are shared by all who call Guam home.
