Student Blog

2min read

Traditional Dances that Differ from Region to Region

Zaynah is one of the few students from Papua New Guinea studying at APU. We ended up being floor mates at the same dormitory. She always wore brightly colored one-piece dresses, which she said were the traditional daily wear of her country, and this piqued my interest in the culture of her country. Papua New Guinea, an island nation in Oceania, earned its independence in 1975. Zaynah told me about the country’s Independence Day which is celebrated on September 16.

People celebrate the occasion with traditional dances that vary from region to region. In Zaynah's hometown by the sea, there is a dance to welcome men returning from long fishing trips that has been passed down over the generations. The vibrant traditional costumes feature colors that represent each clan and village. The face paint they use also has different meanings in the different regions. For example, in the inland areas, it is used to conceal yourself from animals and blend in with the surrounding landscape when hunting.

Zaynah dancing on Independence Day last year

The traditions of each region are strictly observed in that region, and in some places, the male dancers even fast for a week before the big event. Zaynah told me about a boy at school who suddenly stopped talking to her and she was confused as to why. He later apologized for not talking to her because there was a rule in his area that boys were not allowed to talk to girls for some time before the dance.

There are also special dishes that are served on Independence Day. The most famous of these are “mumu”, a sweet dish made by wrapping coconut and banana in banana leaves and baking them, and “aigir”, which is made by cooking coconut and other ingredients on hot stones.
Zaynah, who has been in Japan for four months, tells me that she misses the culture and cuisine of home country. She also says it would make her happy if everyone could learn more about Papua New Guinea. For my part, I would like to spread the word about Papua New Guinea's amazing culture, where traditions are carefully preserved.

TORIE ZAYNAH HIWELAU JACQUELINE
ZAYNAH
Papua New Guinea
Collegel of International Management, 2nd year

(Published in the morning edition of the Oita Godo Shimbun on July 18, 2023)

Natsuki Aoki

Hello! I'm Natsuki, an APS 3rd year majoring in International Relations. I hope to inspire you all by sharing my interesting experiences, new discoveries, and encounters at APU. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu!