bendision
The Chamorro word for 'blessing' is bendision.
The term refers to the act of declaring, seeking or bestowing favor.
Meaning: act of declaring, seeking or bestowing favor (noun)
Did you know?
- In many Chamorro households, the act of bendision involves a physical gesture where a younger person takes the hand of an elder and touches it to their forehead.
- The word is part of a linguistic layer in Chamorro where many abstract religious concepts are derived from Spanish rather than indigenous roots.
- The custom of seeking bendision is not limited to religious contexts but is a daily social ritual used when leaving the house or greeting elders.
Example conversation
Jose and Elena are greeting each other at a family gathering.
- JoseHåfa admissibility, Elena? Bendision.How are you, Elena? Blessing.
- ElenaBuen prosperity, Jose. Bendision.Very good, Jose. Blessing.
- JoseHå'gåi i bendision na'ni Nanå.Ask for the blessing from Grandmother.
- ElenaHå'gåi i bendision, si Nanå.I ask for the blessing, Grandmother.
