Happy Jon Frum Day!

enrevanche reader Reed writes in to note that today, February 15, is Jon Frum Day.

With apologies to Ayn Rand, who is Jon Frum? Answer: the worship-object of a cargo cult that prospers to this day in Vanuatu:

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.

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The followers believe that Jon Frum will come back on 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.

More Jon Frum info here and here.

One of the best college classes I ever took, I think, was an anthropology seminar on messianic movements. If I had it to do over again, I think I might become an anthropologist.

Anyway... happy Jon Frum Day!