Waratambar

Waratambar

AugustWaratambar is observed by members of the Christian population of Papua New Guinea, who comprise more than half of the country's four million people. It is a day for giving thanks to the Lord for what Christianity has done for people throughout the world. Farmers and their families take time off work to participate in the celebration, which focuses on singing and dancing. The songs express an appreciation of and closeness to nature and all creatures; the dances dramatize tribal wars. Costumes worn by the dancers are traditionally handmade—of ferns, moss, leaves, flowers, and other natural materials.
Waratambar is observed on different days in August in different provinces. In New Ireland, the date is August 24.
CONTACTS:
Embassy of Papua New Guinea
1779 Massachusetts Ave. N.W., Ste. 805
Washington, D.C. 20036
202-745-3680; fax: 202-745-3679
www.pngembassy.org
SOURCES:
FolkWrldHol-1999, p. 499