Articles — history

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Understanding Micronesia Culture and Sakau

Understanding Micronesia Culture and Sakau

Sitting between Indonesia and Hawaii, in the Pacific Islands, there are hundreds of small islands that make up Micronesia. There are four specific States of Micronesia: Kosrae, Yap, Pohnpei, and Chuuk. Sakau is an important aspect of Micronesia culture, yet the culture has evolved and modernized in recent times. Micronesia Culture In Each Federated State The residents in majority are the Chuukese and the Pohnpeian. Most residents speak many languages, one being English. Christianity is the most popular religion on the islands and the U.S. Dollar is the main currency. Yap is one State of Micronesia where traditions run deep. Many characteristics that were...

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Tongan Culture | Root of Happiness

The Importance of Kava in Tongan Culture

Kava has significance in each region of the Pacific Islands. What it means in Hawaii may be different than what it means in Fiji. Tongan culture is rich in history and kava has a deep-rooted importance to the people living on these islands. Tongan Culture and Traditions Tonga is composed of 150 islands. Most of the islands are not inhabited and remain wild with coral beaches, volcanoes and palm trees. Farming and fishing are how Tongans make money. Fruits and vegetables and roots of plants are harvested for export. Many of the women also create products from natural items found in Tonga including woven...

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Vanuatu Kava | Root of Happiness

Kava Strains Based on Where It Was Cultivated

Kava varies from region to region within the Pacific Islands. All regions treasure the piper methysticum plant, in which its roots are used to create kava. However, these kava strains differ based on where the kava is cultivated. Kava’s name also varies among regions and different kava strains. Awa is the name for kava in Hawaii. Yaqona is its name in Fiji, while Malok is how some in Vanuatu refer to kava. Just like the name can vary, so can cultivation methods. Therefore, some kava drinks offer different effects than others. In addition, the chemotypes and kavalactone numbers can help us identify where the kava was likely cultivated. Chemotypes...

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10 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Piper Methysticum

10 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Piper Methysticum

Piper methysticum is better known as the kava plant. This plant is popular due to its kava root, which is used to create kava tea, a drink known around the world for its relaxing effects. Piper methysticum is found in the South Pacific Islands. Many people know its benefits: sedation, calming, euphoria, happy mood, socialization, better sleep and much more. Although many are familiar with the benefits of kava, here are ten things you may not know about piper methysticum. 1. It Belongs to the Pepper Family Some people call piper methysticum the narcotic pepper. Others call it the intoxicating pepper. This happens because the name “piper”...

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