© irene waters 2018
There are three main celebrations on the island of Tanna in Vanuatu. All will see women with brightly painted faces. Tinsel has replaced wreaths of leaves for most women.
© irene waters 2018
Kastom (traditional) dancing is always performed both by the coast
© irene waters 2018
and in the highlands.
© irene waters 2018
The John Frum Cargo Cult holds its celebration in February each year with marching troops, entertainment and kastom dancing.
© irene waters 2018
When the boys return from the bush after being circumcised there is much rejoicing and celebrations.
© irene waters 2018
And western cakes are brought out by the children to celebrate a birthday.
Most of these celebrations were mentioned in the Australian Way in 1994.
© QANTAS 1994
© QANTAS 1994
© QANTAS 1994
where the second last paragraph on the above page says ” It is also evident now in colourful singing and Friday-night dancing celebrations. Today the followers serenade each other. A shyish group of Jon Frum musicians sing and dance for guests at the small, Melanesian-style White Grass Resort, co-owned by Roger and Irene Waters and Chief Namake, and, in the darkness outside, villagers congregate for their own impromptu celebrations. Everyone shares the music.
© QANTAS 1994
These celebrations and more are the subject of the memoir Nightmare in Paradise which was released in December – I am still celebrating this achievement.
© irene waters 2018
Thank you to Amy for this week’s prompt
Reflections and Nightmares- Irene A Waters (writer and memoirist) 
what amazing celebrations –
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Yes it was an honour being part of them.
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How fascinating! Thank you so much for sharing!
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You’re welcome Amy.
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Interesting picture.
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Thanks Robbie.
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Congrats Irene. What an amazing journey
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Thanks Tina. It was an amazing place to live although incredibly stressful.
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Amazing to see images of this ancient culture which will likely change dramatically over the next 20 years or so. The island may become more like Hawaii with “traditional” rituals performed for tourist dollars, the actual culture drifting away. I noted the tinsel wreath even before reading your comment about it.
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It has changed in the time we have been away Sharon. No longer do custom villages dress traditionally, although I’m sure some of the remote ones still do but I doubt that the wearing of clothes and performing custom dances for money will change the deep rooted belief system and the witchdoctors and chiefs will still control village life with just as much magic and mayhem as in the past.
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Hi, Irene. Amazing! How long did you run the resort? I can only imagine how much work that was!
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We were on the island for nearly four years and it was a lot of work and a lot of heartache as we ran into problems with our Chief, Roger was kidnapped and one of our guests was killed. It was an unforgettable time that we will never forget. The good times and the bad times.
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Hi, Irene. I am sorry for your pain and heartache. I hope that you have fully recovered in body and spirit.
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I’m resilient Patti. My husband is the one who hasn’t quite recovered.
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Roll on the arrival of your book, Irene…cannot wait!!!!!! ❤ ❤ ❤
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Hopefully it will arrive soon. Getting good feedback but none on Amazon yet.
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Can’t wait, will let you know the minute…and that’s great news!
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Hope it is soon but looks like it will be after Christmas now. Today I noticed my first Amazon review – yeah. Need some more though.
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Keeping my eyes peeled! Congratulations, Irene…sure the reviews will soon come piling in… 🙂 ❤
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Lots of celebrating, and sharing of those from times past.
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Yes it was a fascinating place to be.
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