Guam

Guam

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_Guam

Flag

Guam's flag is significant in symbolizing its people, land, and Chamorro culture. Each color and detail retells the island's important and rich history from its indigenous heritage to its ties to the United States. Designed by Helen L. Paul in 1917 and officially adopted in 1948, here are the following key details including in the Guam flag:

Red border - CHamoru blood shed during Spanish colonization and Japanese occupation during WWII

Dark blue - The Pacific Ocean that surrounds the island and the people's connection to the sea

Slingstone shape - Ancient slingstone indigenous CHamoru people used for hunting and defense

Proa - The outrigger canoe represents the navigational skills and courage of CHamoru seafarers

Coconut tree - symbolizes the resilience of the CHamoru people just as a coconut tree can thrive in desolate sands

Two Lovers Point - A reference to the CHamoru legend of two lovers who leapt from the cliff to stay devoted to each other

River and sand - The opening of Hagåtña Bay near the island's capital and the accessibility of Guam's beautiful and welcoming environment

Source: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chamorro


Source: https://www.csp.navy.mil/Go-Guam/Lifestyle/Infographics/Basic-Chamorro-Phrases/

Common Phrases

Although English is the primarily spoken language of Guam, the indigenous language is CHamoru. The language is heavily influenced by the Spanish language due to the Spanish colonization of the island. Despite not being commonly spoken by its people, there is an active movement to preserve the CHamoru language. One reputable resource to explore common CHamoru phrases is LearningCHamoru, an online interactive learning platform.
Source: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chamorro-language

Source: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPvB6TuD4E3/

Food

The best place to experience and try the vast CHamoru cuisine is at a fiesta! There, you will find various cultural dishes ranging from red rice, annatto seeds flavored steamed rice, to kelaguen, meat ranging from chicken to shrimp marinated in lemon and mixed with grated coconut, onions, and pepper. You also can't forget the most famous condiment used for dipping any foods for more flavoring, which is fina'dene, a soy sauce and acid (vinegar or lemon) based sauce with hot peppers and onions. Shown above is just a sample plate that you can make yourself at a fiesta. 

Source: https://stock.adobe.com/search?k=guam+sunset&asset_id=1024237641

Personal Experience

As a person of CHamoru ancestry, I am extremely appreciative of all the island of Guam has to offer. I have lived on this island my whole life and enjoyed every single second of it. The people are friendly and very welcoming to all. The island has some of the most beautiful views and sunsets. THE FOOD. The food is delicious in every way with dishes ranging from sweet and savory to spicy and sour. As someone who travels to different countries often and has seen what other places have to offer, Guam will always be my favorite place to be. Nothing beats the calmness and and beauty that this island has to offer.  
















 

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