john frum the cargo cult

1. John Frum & the Cargo Cult One of the more interesting phenomenon encountered by the U.S. servicemen stationed in the South Pacific was the strange cargo cult of John Frum. Primarily based on the New Hebrides island of Tanna, the islanders had long believed in a legend passed down by their ancients that foretold that at some point a mighty god would come from the air and the sea to establish a time of peace and prosperity. Their legend had also claimed that 50,000 warriors were waiting inside the volcano, Mount Tukomeru, to lead them into victory as well as prosperity.

2. What is a �Cargo Cult?� Cargo cults are usually revivalist, and in some cases messianic and millenarian, movements found among certain peoples indigenous to Oceania. The word cargo refers to foreign goods possessed by Europeans; cult adherents believe that such goods belong to themselves and that, with the help of ancestral spirits, the goods can be returned to them through magico-religious means. Some cult prophets promise that the arrival of cargo will herald a period of prosperity and well-being.

3. Symbols The most sacred symbol of the Jon Frum movement is a red cross. On Jon Frum day prayers and flowers are offered at the cross. In addition to this members involve themselves in a flag raising ceremony and a miltary parade in which they carry rifles made of bamboo.

4. When American servicemen began landing on the island during World War II, it strengthened the islanders' belief in the prophesy. Bizarre ceremonies were held to honor and worship the mythical John Frum. Carved figurines of American warplanes and military artifacts such as helmets and rifles made from bamboo were used as religious icons, and the islanders would march in parades with "U.S.A." painted, carved or tattooed on their chests and backs. Some of them burned their money, killed their cattle and abandoned their homes, awaiting the new life and world promised by the mysterious god.

5. When the last American G.I. left at the end of the war, the islanders gleefully predicted John Frum's return. To this day, there are still a number of natives who say, "John Frum, he still come.�

6. The movement continued to flourish and on February 15th 1957 an American flag was raised in Sulphur Bay to declare the religion of John Frum and it is on this date every year that �John Frum day� is celebrated. During the festivities, the elders march in an imitation army; a kind of military drill mixed with traditional dance. Some carry imitation rifles made of bamboo and wear American army memorabilia such as caps or T-shirts.

7. Here, John Frum cargo cult members erect a cross atop the Yasur Volcano, saluting the billions of men under the volcano. Cult members believe a U.S. soldier named John Frum will return from heaven and distribute the white man's cargo to them.