Ungil Kurismas! (Merry Christmas in Palauan)
Christmas Tree Worms on coral
We are coming to our final week of raising funds for our project at the National Archives of Palau. Thanks to all who have made a donation!! Let’s make this last week a magical one. Donate at: http://www.globalgiving.org/projects/preserve-records-in-palau/
Micronesia is certainly not without its Christmas traditions. One tradition that comes from the Marshall Islands is particularly interesting:
Men from the Marshalls put on their “Christmas Tree,” as they call it. A colorful hand-wrought tree is ingeniously hidden inside a large wood cross. During the singing of Christmas carols and hymns the cross slowly opens and the “tree” rises from it. The first opening is accompanied by the noise of tiny firecrackers, which the singing group explode as they sing. Then the tree descends again into the cross until the singing of the last carol, when the two sides of the cross part and the tree remains-a Micronesian attempt to symbolize the birth, death, and resurrection of Christ.
Christmas dishes in Palau may include roasted suckling pig with vegetables and sweet potatoes. Beef steak with garlic dressing and spicy steamed veggies and greens may also be served. The traditional desserts include banana spreads, coconut mousse, and coconut shakes or ice-creams that contain both ground coconut and the fruit’s light and flavored milk.
Happy Holidays!!
Island Time 