CHAMORRO EXPRESSIONS : ÅBE MARIA PURISIMA

I was taught to say "Åbe Maria Purisima" when calling at the door of any house.  It's a Spanish phrase meaning "Hail Mary most pure."  The person or persons inside would respond, "Sin pekådo konsebida," "conceived without sin."

Tan Esco greets me this traditional way in this clip, and signs herself, too.  Then she proceeds to tell me that she knew I would be visiting her that day because she saw me on the televised Mass that morning.

"Åbe Maria Purisima" is also the traditional Chamorro way of ending any prayers.  And it can also be used as an exclamation, as in "Oh my!"