Life in Kiribati/Ceremonies

Many types of ceremonies happen in Kiribati. The new culture however evolve around the church and it's activities. Such include the following This is a gathering in a church Maneaba called 'Otan Bikenibeu' on the 26th August 2007 as a farewell feast for Nei Temwakei - wife of Pastor Atariin who passed away in on 19th July 2007. In the photo the community of believers amass daily to accompany and farewell the widow.Return to Life in Kiribati

Other Scenes
This is the same scene of Bikenibeu KPC members who feast together on Sunday 26th August 2007 as they farewell the outgoing widow of the late Pastor at Bikenibeu - Pastor Atariin Botam. In the photo it can be seen that only the men eat first. There are 2 ladies shown because they are the honoured guests. The feasting together show solidarity and communal fellowship.Return to Life in Kiribati

Still more
As can be seen in this photo, the men all sit down, faced each other and parttake in the feast. The food is contributed by each household and everyone share with each other over lunch. This is a unique way of fellowship and shows the spirit of cummunity participation, support, and friendship. This is a culture that was brought about through christianity in the late 1860s. This is very much a strong force in Kiribati. Around 99.5 percent of the population in Kiribati are members of the Christian faith. The faith is a strong backbone of society nowadays and has helped regulated and maintained law and order in the once tribal and lawless communities in Kiribati.As can be seen from the photo, men line up in the 'aiabu' and share a meal together. The long que of men all come from different parts of Bikenibeu, have different work stations, are from different home islands and are not related to each other. However they all share a common link and purpose in their misssion faiths. This brings them together to gather and join forces on such days as shown.Return to Life in Kiribati

Yet More
As usual, any gathering of this magnitude will always be accompanied by singing and dancing. Since it is a Sunday this ceremony only has choral singing and speeches. The photo shows a choir from Mauwanako Group providing entertainment while the men had lunch.Return to Life in Kiribati

No less
After the men had their fair share of lunch, the women then had a go at lunch in their respective places - unlike the men. While that took place men then provided a choral intermission. Usually a choir is made up of men and women. In this occassion, men also sang the women's alto and subrano. In Kiribati men usually lead local church choirs. In the photo, the choir leaders are seen singing.Return to Life in Kiribati