Jay, my cousin Chachaga’ and I went to FestPac in Hawai’i this June, which was amazing. We spent quality time with family and took in as much from FestPac as we could. One event we attended was the Micronesia Festival at the Bishop Museum on June 15th, which opened with a Latte Stone Ceremony to honor the latte stones at the museum that were taken from the Marianas. In this post is the chant, composed by Brant Songsong and Elyssa Santos, that was sung to honor the latte stones at the ceremony. The tune and composition was done by Elyssa Santos – she researched the Kåntan Chamorrita tune that is featured in this chant, and added her own stylistic inflections in the singing based upon how she was taught to sing the Kåntan Chamorrita. She also offered her words and ideas for the lyrics, and Brant Songsong completed the translation. The result is a beautiful chant, distinctly Chamorro in its sound with a modern feel.
In this post, the Chamorro and English lyrics are included, with an audio recording of Elyssa Santos singing the chant in Chamorro. I have also included photos, provided by Elyssa Santos, of their practice sessions so we can celebrate everybody involved in making this chant happen at the ceremony. For those who could not be there in person, please consider this a piece of the ceremony that we can all share. Happy listening 🙂
| Chamoru | English |
|---|---|
| Mañaina-ta, manggaige | Ancestors, we are (continued) |
| ham guini på’go | here today |
| para in kenne’ | to return you |
| hamyo gi tano’-miyu. | back home. |
| Hagas ha’ ham manmacho’cho’, | We have always been working, |
| i gumógogue hamyo. | those who protect you. |
| Hihot yan chågo’, | Near and far, |
| minasa’pet hugua na tåno’. | the work of two lands. |
| In na’gåsgas, in fa’maolek, | We cleaned, we fixed, |
| in fa’gåsi (a)yuhi amko’. | we washed away the baggage. |
| Hagas mansahnge, i hemhom | They were separated for a long time, the darkness |
| på’go bula puti’on. | now has many stars. |
| Mañainå-ta, guse’ | Ancestors, go on, |
| ina i chalan-måmi. | light our path. |
| I che’cho’ inadahi | The care work, |
| guinaiya in faninåmte. | love will heal us. |
| Mámachom påpa’ i atdao | The sun sets, |
| ti ta li’e’ finatton puengi, | we don’t see night come, |
| ya ti u mappot ini na cho’cho’, | and this work is not difficult, |
| sa’ manhíhita ha’ guini. | because we’re here together. |
The Practice Sessions
Photos provided by Elyssa Santos 🙂
Lengguahi-ta 