In Vanuatu, when someone dies, it's called a dead. It's a LOT more then a funeral back in the states and is unlike ANYTHING I've ever dealt with before. My first Dead was a tough one though because it was a fellow peace corps volunteer's Mama.
Her mama was laid to rest the day before we could come, but upon arrival the first thing I heard was crying. But not a soft cry, it was wailing! The custom, as far as I understand right now (remember I'm new here), is that they grab your arm and weep loudly, saying sorry. Also there was a room full of women crying and praying. I guess it's where the body was before it was placed in the ground. You also shake hands with everyone; kind of like a viewing back home. Another similarity to southern funerals is everyone eats and everyone brings food. But the difference here is things like beef are mainly used for deads & marrieds (weddings). Another difference from the states is the fact that deads last some time with ceremonies at different times up until the annual mark of the death.
I'm sure I'll experience more and when I have been to a few I will be able to explain them a little better I hope.
Until next time
Jump in the Jungle
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