I am still reading Paul Theroux’s Happy Isles
of Oceania, one of my favorite books by the writer, but one that does have a few moments when it drags. Hence, why
it sits on my bad stand and gets read only a few pages at a time. Still I love the guy, and would love his work, not to
mention his life. (sigh). No matter, I did get through the part not long ago about the Cargo cults of Vanuatu, which
makes for some fascinating reading.
If you’ve never heard of the cargo cults, or at least never delved into
the details, then I urge you to read the Wikipedia entry on them.
The essence of the cults is that a figure named John Frum, likely a mythical figure, but one whom some say was a real
character, appeared to people of the islands promising them "houses, clothes, food, transport." The
islanders, apparently in need, or at least want of such things, overtime developed a cult associated with Frum and his
eventual return. The day of that supposed return, which we assume has never happened, is February 15. So to all you out
there: Happy John Frum day!