People and Culture
history
Vanuatu is known as one of the only Pacific Islands to have two colonial rules simultaneously, which were Britain and France. Thus, the two rulers shared a condominium, a shared colonial administration, in which they would copy each other. Meaning, that on the islands of Vanuatu, there were two court systems, police forces, school systems and so on. This system was blamed for much confusion and little accomplishment during its existence.
Ni-Vanuatu, the people of Vanuatu, had little positive contact with the white. They had a strong negative attitude towards the foreigners. One instant was when sandalwood was discovered, which led to sandalwood traders clashing with the islanders. Many islanders did die in the forests cutting sandalwood for their chiefs. Blackbirders, ones who do blackbirding - the act of forcing people into slavery through trickery and kidnapping, also raided the islands, heavily affecting their population. Many of the islanders did die.
Ni-Vanuatu, the people of Vanuatu, had little positive contact with the white. They had a strong negative attitude towards the foreigners. One instant was when sandalwood was discovered, which led to sandalwood traders clashing with the islanders. Many islanders did die in the forests cutting sandalwood for their chiefs. Blackbirders, ones who do blackbirding - the act of forcing people into slavery through trickery and kidnapping, also raided the islands, heavily affecting their population. Many of the islanders did die.
World War II affected the islands as well. During the war, islanders witnessed planes and ships bringing in tons of food, vehicles, appliances, and other supplies to the American base established their, Espirito Santo. After the end of the war, the islanders developed the cargo cults, which were serious religious movements, such as the John Frum Movement. Those who took part in these religious movements believed that loads of good will be delivered to them through religious rituals. However, at times, the islanders did become violent, as well as uncooperative, blaming the white, missionaries, and government for preventing the islanders from getting goods.
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FACTS
The population of Vanuatu is 254,817. Most of the population comprises of Melanesian, but there exists small groups of Polynesians, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Europeans. Just like other islands in the Pacific, Vanuatu has many tribes with different customs. One famous Vanuatu custom is land diving, in which men jump head first off high platforms with vines tied to their feet. The vines are measured to stop them just short of the ground.
There exists over 100 languages in Vanuatu, however, the official languages are English, French, and Bislama, the Vanuatu form of Pidgin. The islands do still maintain having their local languages, which comprise of several dialects, serving as the major language. Other than language, Vanuatu is also known for having diverse religions. Christian serves as the major religion.
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Since Vanuatu is known to be heavily diverse, the culture of Vanuatu may vary from island to island, prior to dances, ceremonies, status, system of authority, animal and crop husbandry. Way of life in general is not the same among all the islands. However, the culture in general share a common idea of their way of life.
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Their way of life mainly revolves around the land, living in rural areas, leaning heavily on agriculture and hunting. To them, land is more than a source to their economy, but also serves as a physical embodiment that links the real world with the spirit realm, one of the fundamental concepts that govern the ni-Vanuatu way of life. However, most foreigners do not recognize their culture, thus land has been often taken away from the ni-Vanuatu.
Sources:
http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/vanuatu.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Vanuatu
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2098.html
http://www.eyos-expeditions.com/wp-content/uploads/[email protected]
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/623102/Vanuatu/53976/Cultural-life
http://mitchellkphotos.smugmug.com/Archives/Rah-and-Mota-Lava-Vanuatu/i-6vcKNgx/0/S/Traditional%20Ni%20Vanuatu%20man%20on%20top%20a%20rock%20with%20a%20bow%20and%20arrow%20-%20horizontal-S.jpg
http://www.mitchellkphotos.com/photography/southwestbay/images/southwestbay_016.jpg
http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/vanuatu.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Vanuatu
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2098.html
http://www.eyos-expeditions.com/wp-content/uploads/[email protected]
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/623102/Vanuatu/53976/Cultural-life
http://mitchellkphotos.smugmug.com/Archives/Rah-and-Mota-Lava-Vanuatu/i-6vcKNgx/0/S/Traditional%20Ni%20Vanuatu%20man%20on%20top%20a%20rock%20with%20a%20bow%20and%20arrow%20-%20horizontal-S.jpg
http://www.mitchellkphotos.com/photography/southwestbay/images/southwestbay_016.jpg