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The smiling
welcoming
people of Vanuatu
are proud to display
their culture. In
custom villages,
experience the magic
of a Melanesian
celebration.. |
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Melanesian culture and
Customs
The traditional cultures are very important and still
very much alive among the Melanesian people. It is not
just a matter of rituals, ceremonies and traditions, it
is a whole way of life which governs behaviour and
provides interpretations for what occurs.
Customs and traditions have been thriving for centuries
and they ensure respect within the communities.
Customs society
Custom is involved in every single major event in
village life (marriage, death, circumcision, initiation,
passage rites, etc...) and ensures that law and order is
maintained. Where disputes arise, these can be resolved
peacefully, by exchanging foods, mats, pigs.
Natural progression
Nevertheless, as the years go by, changes have affected
cultural rites and customs. Kava drinking and the
Nakamal used to be strictly for the men, whereas now,
women can go along as well. This is all part of a
natural progression. However, the people of Vanuatu are
convinced that it is essential to preserve and
perpetuate customs and traditions so that future
generations may live in peace and harmony like the
previous ones.
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Traditional
clothing
The traditional garment for men is called a
“nambas” which is a penis sheath made from bark
or the leaf of the pandanus.
Women wear grass skirts, using leaves, woven
mats or the fibres of the burao.
To this basic form of dress they would add masks,
headdresses and various ornaments for different
ceremonies.
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