Spanish colonization brought about many changes to CHamoru culture, none more significant than the Catholic religion, which in time became an integral part of the lives of the people of the Marianas.

During the Christmas season, the erecting of a bilen or a nativity scene was one of the most important family activities. CHamorus would building a stable and a manger for a statue of the Niñu Jesus or the Baby Jesus. They would include figures to represent Joseph and Mary, as well as shepherds or angels.

The entire scene would be decorated with flowers and plants, and most importantly lumot or moss to provide a beautiful green base to place the figures atop or to decorate the buildings. Once completed, families will gather around the bilen for the praying of the multi-night nobena and singing of nobena songs.

Many families continue the tradition of erecting a bilen for the holidays. The Government of Guam, through the Guam Council on the Arts and Humanities Agency has recognized one Master of CHamoru Culture for the making of the bilen, and that is the late Tan Ana Naputi Leon Guerrero, from the village of Inalåhan.

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