Legend Of Fouha Rock
On the southwestern coast of Guam, there lies an amazing 150 ft volcanic rock formation at the north point of Fouha Bay called Fouha Rock. According to the local legend of the Chamorro people, it was from this rock that the first humans emerged.
Even though the majority of the island is Catholic due to previous Spanish rule, the legend of the rock centered at Fouha Point or "Creation Point", still resonates strong through oral traditions passed down from generation to generation. While hiking with the Guam Boonie Stompers, Inc., I had the pleasure of visiting this official National Natural Landmark. I couldn't help but feel drawn towards it, putting it at the focus of my photographs as long as it was still in sight. Of course I had to research the history of this captivating rock as soon as I got home.
According to legend, the creators of the universe are the goddess, Fu'una, and her brother, Puntan. At the request of her brother, Fu'una used her great power to divide his body into the universe as we know it. His eyes became the sun and moon, his eyebrows became rainbows, and his back and chest became the Earth and sky. After Fu'una fit the world with everything else it needed to prosper, she threw herself onto Fouha Point, literally transforming herself into Fouha Rock. It was then that the first humans surfaced from the rock, also known as Lasso' Fu'a, populating not only Guam, but the entire Earth.
Many people still keep the traditions and values of this legend alive today. Through pilgrimage, offerings, song, and dance, Fouha Rock remains an important part of the local Chamorro culture. Unfortunately, much of the culture and practices of the ancient people were dissolved a few hundred years ago. As the Spanish colonized the island, the native population was nearly wiped out due to smallpox brought in by foreigners, and conflict between the two peoples. Sacred places and rituals were destroyed by missionaries as they deemed them "pagan" setting Catholicism in place as they built churches on the island. Standing tall and strong on the coast, Fouha Rock survived through it all. Those who keep the tradition of pilgrimage alive often bring offerings to the sacred site. I was able to see an example of these offerings (shown in the image at the top of this blog) while passing through during our hike that further peaked my interest in the formation. While I didn't know what the purpose was at the time, I could tell there was a significance in the way the fruits, shells, rocks, and rice were thoughtfully arranged. The energy surrounding this rock was incredible... little did I know it was emanating a legend of creation!
Fu'una is considered to be the first leader and the mother of the Chamorro people so it is no mystery as to why the ancient Chamorros practiced a more matrilineal type of society; politically and socially. Not only was it believed that a woman gave birth to the Earth and everything in it, but women were held with the utmost respect and were consulted with every major decision of clan. Name, wealth, and title were all inherited through the mother's side as well as the statuses of chiefs. To this day, it is common for the Chamorro people to view the eldest female member of the extended family as the matriarch and is given ultimate respect.
I really enjoyed diving into this local legend of creation and I hope you enjoyed as well! I intend to continue exploring Guam and all of the rich history and sights it has to offer. Stay tuned. 😊❤🇬🇺🌊⛰
Fouha Rock featured in this video below at 3:05!