Taotao Mo'na, (Chamoru meaning people "taotao" and before "mo'na" or loosely translated as ancient people) are the spirits of the ancient people of the Marianas islands. It is believed that they live in or around the trunkun nunu (banyan tree). To this day, many islanders still believe in the taotao mo'na who inspire fear and caution. Before entering the ancient lands where the taotao mo'na may be, one must first request permission in Chamoru, lest he or she offend the spirits. "Si guela' yan guelu', kosiña-yu malofan i tano-mu?" (Grandmothers and Grandfathers, may I pass your land?) Anyone who doesn't perform this is believed to have bad omens befall them. A curse laid by a taotao mo'na can be lifted by a siruhanu (shaman). While some taotao mo'na are malevolent spirits, others are gentle and helpful beings. The mischievous ones are known to pinch people in their sleep often leaving a bruise, mimic voices and kidnap infants.