Time to Eat!

The traditional way of serving food at gatherings is still practiced often on Aneityum. Banana leaves are placed on the ground in a straight line and serve as "plates" for the food. Then the different recipes on hand are divvied into small pieces and dished out evenly along the line of banana leaves. Regardless of where you sit along the line of banana leaves, you should be able to reach in and taste the same mix of food as everyone else.

There are no forks, spoons or napkins. Everyone packs in close and takes turns choosing an item to eat. If there is an especially prized item on the menu, such as lobster, locals are very considerate in sharing, making sure that everyone gets a taste.

The Ministry of Health in Vanuatu has encouraged people to stop practicing this traditional dining style. They are afraid that it is not hygienic, especially when outdoors where island dogs are always vigilantly pacing nearby awaiting the opportunity to pounce at an unprotected section of the banana leaves. I find this to be the most entertaining part of the meal however, watching the massive effort to fend off starving dogs with stones and other projectiles.

The pictures above show the lunch we shared on Easter Sunday.