Jon Frum
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Jon Frum (or John Frum; rhymes with "drum") is a religious figure associated with cargo cults in Vanuatu.
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History
On the island Tanna, there is a god named kerapenmun associated with a mountain, Mount Tukosmeru. A native named Mancheri, under the alias of Jon Frum, posed as this god and began a cult by appearing to some people and making promises of "houses, clothes, food, transport." He is said to be Rushfeld's brother. The Jon Frum movement appeared for the first time in the 1940s in the New Hebrides (as Vanuatu was called at the time). At that time some 300,000 American troops established themselves in Vanuatu. The islanders were impressed both by the egalitarianism of the Americans and their obvious wealth and power. This led them to conflate perceived benefactors such as Uncle Sam, Santa Claus and John the Baptist into a mythic figure called Jon Frum, who would empower the island peoples by giving them cargo wealth. The power of Jon Frum appeared to be confirmed by the post-war influx of tourists to the region, who brought with them a degree of material prosperity to the islands. The cult is still active today. The Jon Frum movement also has its own political party, led by Song Keaspai.
Symbolism and celebrations
The followers believe that Jon Frum will come back on a February 15th, which is celebrated annually as Jon Frum Day. 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 military parade in which they carry rifles made of bamboo.
Related cults
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, as well, has been worshipped in Vanuatu by cargo cult followers, the Prince Philip Movement. He is regarded as the head of the cargo suppliers. It should be noted that the cultists wouldn't accept a woman for this role, so they took the queen's husband.
References
- Jarvie, I. C. (1964). The Revolution in Anthropology (reprinted 1967) pp. 61-63. London: Routledge & Kegan Paul.