The Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islanders comprise diverse cultures, languages, and customs. 93 % are Melanesian, 4% Polynesian, and 1.5% Micronesian. In addition, small numbers of Europeans and Chinese are registered. About 120 vernacular languages are spoken.

Most people reside in small, widely dispersed settlements along the coasts.

The capital city of Honiara, situated on Guadalcanal, the largest island, has 54,600 inhabitants. The other principal towns are Gizo, Auki, and Kirakira.

Most Solomon Islanders are Christian, with the Anglican, Roman Catholic, South Seas Evangelical, and Seventh-day Adventist faiths predominating. About 5% of the population maintains traditional beliefs.

The chief characteristics of the traditional Melanesian social structure are:

• The practice of subsistence economy;
• The recognition of bonds of kinship, with important obligations extending beyond the immediate family group; local and clan loyalties far outweigh regional or national affiliations.
• Generally egalitarian relationships, emphasizing acquired rather than inherited status; and
• A strong attachment of the people to the land.

Most Solomon Islanders maintain this traditional social structure and find their roots in village life.
It's hard to believe that until the 1930s these friendly, easy-going islanders were considered to be among the world's most violent and dangerous people. Head-hunting, cannibalism and skull worship were central elements of traditional culture, and sacred skull shrines remain as macabre and fascinating reminders of the old days.

Unfortunately, more recently the Solomons developed a dangerous reputation following the period of ethnic conflict in 1999 and 2000. In the ensuing years Guadalcanal and - to a lesser extent – Malaita Province experienced a major breakdown in law and order. The deployment of a regional assistance mission quickly re-established law and order, and it's now perfectly safe to travel anywhere in the Solomons except for rural Guadalcanal…and even there you can get around if you have a guide or officer to lead the way.

Tatoo History. Māori mythology...

The word "tattoo" comes from the Tahitian word "tatau". Captain James Cook used the word "tattow" when he witnessed tattooing for the first time in Tahiti, in 1769.

According to Māori mythology, tattooing commenced with a love affair between a young man by the name of Mataora (which means "Face of Vitality") and a young princess of the underworld by the name of Niwareka. One day however, Mataora beat Niwareka, and she left Mataroa, running back to her father's realm which was named "Uetonga".

Mataora, filled with guilt and heartbreak followed after his princess Niwareka. After many trials, and after overcoming numerous obstacles, Mataora eventually arrived at the realm of "Uetonga", but with his face paint messed and dirty after his voyage. Niwareka's family taunted and mocked Mataora for his bedraggled appearance. In his very humbled state, Mataora begged Niwareka for forgiveness, which she eventually accepted. Niwareka's father then offered to teach Mataora the art of tattooing, and at the same time Mataora also leant the art of Taniko - the plaiting of cloak borders in many colours.
According to archaeological evidence, tattooing came to New Zealand from Eastern Polynesian culture.

The bone chisels used for tattooing can be found in archaeological sites of various ages in New Zealand, as well as in some early Eastern Polynesian sites. Although the Māori practiced tattooing, there is no evidence that the Moriori people did.

In New Zealand, It is in the early sites that the widest chisel blades are found, and this lends evidence to the theory that there was possibly a preference towards rectilinear tattoo patterns in earlier times.

The head was considered the most sacred part of the body, and because tattooing caused blood to run the tattoo craftsmen, or "tohunga-ta-oko", were very tapu persons. All high-ranking Māori were tattooed, and those who went without tattoos were seen as persons of no social status.

Tattooing commenced at puberty, accompanied by many rites and rituals. In addition to making a warrior attractive to women, the tattoo practice marked both rites of passage and important events in a person's life.

Traditionally, Maori tattoos were carved into the skin using a small instrument made of albatross bone, and took months of careful, agonized planning. They were typically worn by men of high rank. Women who were tattooed were only allowed designs upon their lips, chin and nostrils. Today, however, the process of Ta Moko has become one of the most popular styles of ‘tribal’ tattooing. The designs associated with Maori tattoos have a definite aesthetic appeal, but to many people they mean a good deal more than that. They are often used as a symbol of cultural identity, and the designs used may represent things such as genealogy, history or even beauty (as full, blue hued lips have long been considered as the ‘ideal’ of female Maori beauty).

Modern Maori tattoos (especially in the west) have moved from the face to the body. Long, twining spiral designs that were once placed near the ears or cheeks are now placed along the arms or legs. However, many Maori people find exact replicas of their art insulting. For this reason, many people who are not affiliated with the Maoris prefer to use designs inspired, but not directly taken from, these traditional styles.

One way to separate the Maori tattoos, and what could possibly be an insulting western rendition is to use the striking spirals to create other symbols. For instance, rather than using the rounded and graceful spirals, you could make a squared off version, and create an interesting puzzle-like pattern. You could also use heavy lines and create a scene of waves, clouds, billowing winds, or even fire. Many people like to include reds and dark shades of blue into their designs; they will occasionally use orange and yellow as well if their patterns include things such as the sun, moon or stars. Metallic colors are generally used to produce weapon designs such as intricate knives, swords, or even throwing stars. Burgundy and purple can be used for a variety of spiraling flower blossoms.

Cook Islands Christmas

The Cook Islands in the South Pacific Ocean comprise 15 islands covering an area of about 240 square kilometers. The spectacular scenic views and the pristine natural grace of this region, make for an exotic location for the tourists. Every year quite a commendable amount of vacationers visit the Cook Islands for an exciting holiday.

The Cook Islands were established first by the Polynesians who migrated from Tahiti. The islands were given different names by various navigators. The Spanish sailor Alvaro de Mendana referred it as San Bernardo, Pedro Fernandez de Quiros called it Gente Hermosa, and later on the British navigator identified the islands with the name Hervey Islands. It was after him, that these islands derived the name of Cook Islands. It was in 1965, when the Cook Islands turned out to be a self-governing region. Albert Henry was the first Prime Minister of these islands.

Holidays in Cook Islands

The inhabitants of the Cook Islands enjoy several holidays all round the year. Some of the major events in these islands on which people get holidays include Christmas, New Year, Good Friday, Easter Monday and Constitution Day.

Cook Islands Christmas is enjoyed and celebrated by following several customs and traditions. The local Cook Islanders from other parts of the world return to their native place and join their families to observe and celebrate this eminent event. On the Eve of Christmas on the 24th December, the natives gather in the churches and cathedrals. They perform several religious rites. The Christmas mass is a significant part of this festival in the Cook Islands. The Midnight Mass is accompanied with hymns and chants and prayers dedicating and honoring the birth of Jesus.

Christmas in Cook Islands is celebrated in a traditional way. After the midnight mass gets over, the people wish and greet each other by saying "Merry Christmas". On the Christmas Eve, people decorate the Christmas trees with lights, colored balls, candles, stars, bells and ribbons. The wreath made of holly is hung in front of the door. The leaves of the holly are regarded to be sacred. The streets, houses, shops and every nook and corner are adorned lavishly with lights.

25th December is the day for jubilations to mark Christmas, Cook Islands. People invite their friends and relatives for an elaborate and traditional Christmas dinner. It comprises turkey, ham and the very special Christmas pudding. People on the islands also prepare cakes and serve them with wine. Christmas in Cook Islands are also enjoyed further. Gifts are exchanged among the near and dear ones. Soft and light music including Christmas carols are played in the houses.

In the modern times, various resorts arrange for a lavish seafood spread. Parties are organized for the youngsters. Food, fun and music mark the Christmas in Cook Islands. various dance shows and live concerts are organized in the hotels and resorts. Various competitions related to music are held in at the hotels and resorts. There are lucrative prizes too for the winners.