Pentecost

Introducing Pentecost

Pentecost was first seen by Europeans on Whit Sunday, hence its name. People live mostly in the highland centre or along the west coast, split into three groups: Anglican in the north, Catholic in the centre, and Church of Christ in the south. French settlers brought Catholicism to southern and central Pentecost, while the Anglicans soon dominated the north. The Danielite movement formed in 1931, its leader, Daniel Tambe, calling for the abandonment of traditional customs, so the islanders could rule over Europeans. One follower predicted war and huge numbers joined when WWII broke out, but the movement soon withered.

Local mythology tells how the first male children evolved from coconuts. Then one lad hurled a coconut at his younger brother. The coconut stuck fast to his penis. When it was finally pulled off his male organs came away too. So he became a she!

Last updated: Oct 1, 2008