| The people of Belau, as the islanders
call their homeland, may appear to be among the most Westernized of all
Micronesians in their casual American togs and baseball caps. However,
they still frown upon skimpy beach attire away from the water, and most
homes and many public buildings require that you leave your shoes near the
door. Furthermore, many traditional rites have been retained over the
years, such as those for a first-born child, and village chiefs still
command an important role in the social hierarchy. |
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| Most Palauans are
Christian, with the Catholic and Protestant churches well established and
Jehovah's Witnesses, Seventh-Day Adventists and Bahais gaining in
membership. Modekngei is a revived form of the indigenous religion, which
also shows up in traditions such as leaving a light on to ward off spooks.
Staples of the traditional Palauan diet include
coconut milk and meat (copra), cassava (tapioca), sweet potatoes and all
sorts of fish and seafood. Japanese and American mealtime influences are
common. Although not as prevalent as it is on Yap, many Palauans chew
betel nut, which when mixed with lime powder produces copious amounts of
bright red spit. Old-time chewers are noted by their red teeth, newcomers
by the stains on their chins and shirts.
Palauan is spoken at home and in casual
situations, while English is more common in business and government.
Schools teach both languages, so most Palauans are bilingual from an early
age. The South-West Islanders speak some Sonsorolese and Tobian languages.
Islanders have borrowed the Hawaiian term haole to refer to
foreigners. |