traditions

Western Province urged to promote identity

Western Provincial Administrator, Robert Alphonse Kaiyun is concerned that many languages and traditional dances in the province are slowly dying out, and local leaders are finding ways to preserve it.

Kaiyun said: “I want us to promote our own dynasty. If you are Yongom speak in your language, if you are Akyom speak in your language, Kiwai, Suki and etc.  I encourage you all out there to teach our young generation on our unique dances. If you don’t our singsing and dances will die out.”

Madang showcase cultural activities

The event was organised by the students of University of Papua New Guinea.

It was a great day for families to catch up, speak their mother tongue, see the traditional dances they often don’t and enjoy the overall cultural vibe of their province of origin.

Showcasing their cultural identities through dances and traditional quests, the people of Madang were once again reminded to always keep their culture strong, and not allow too much of their tradication roots be taken away by modernisation and technology.

Origination of the Christmas Candy Canes

A story says that a choirmaster, in 1670, was worried about the children sitting quietly all through the long Christmas nativity service. So he gave them something to eat to keep them quiet! As he wanted to remind them of Christmas, he made them into a 'J' shape like a shepherds crook, to remind them of the shepherds that visited the baby Jesus at the first christmas. However, the earliest records of 'candy canes' comes from over 200 years later, so the story, although rather nice, probably isn't true!