GUAMPEDIA Pulan Makmamao
Volume VI Issue V
Måyu 28- Huniu 25, 2023 May 28- June 25, 2023
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Lessons From Mañahak The lunar month of Makmamao is a favorite for many CHamoru/ Chamorro people as it signifies the time of the annual mañahak run. Every year, thousands of mañahak (juvenile rabbit fish) travel from the deep ocean to the shore so they can feed safely away from predators. During this time, dozens of fishermen from around the island walk along the beaches in the early morning with their talåya (throw nets) hoping to catch schools of mañahak. The mañahak are very small, only measuring a few inches in length. Once caught and cleaned, dozens of mañahak are fried to a crisp at a time, making one of the best treats in the early summer months. Despite the abundance of mañahak, many peskadot (fishermen) practice the value of utas. This value promotes the taking of just what is needed. By doing this, fishermen ensure that others will also be able to catch for their families and that there will still be enough mañahak left to mature to adulthood, thus continuing this natural cycle for generations to come. Fisherman with a Talaya • Micronesian Area Research Center (MARC)
While the catching of mañahak is one of our island’s oldest traditions, it doesn’t just end when the fish have been brought home.The bounty that a peskadot (fisherman) receives from the mañahak run is always shared. Rather than keep the entire catch for themselves, the peskadot will patte (share) bags of mañahak to their friends and extended family in the spirit of geftao (generosity). This strengthens the existing relationships within our island community and encourages even more sharing with one another. In every mañahak run during Makmamao, the message is always clear; just as the ocean provides for us, we too must share in our successes and provide to those around us as we strive towards building harmony with one another and our environment.
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