Four Notes About Christmas and Papua New Guinea

1. Bikpela hamamas blong dispela Krismas go long yu!
That's "Merry Christmas" in Melanesian Pidgin, the common language spoken amongst Papua New Guinean language groups.

2. There are few birth records in Papua New Guinea. It is common to ask someone's age with thie questoin, "Hamas krismas bilong yu?". It translates as: How many Christmases do you have?

3. An observation: urban stores in Papua New Guinea use much more glittery tinsel garlands per square foot of sales space than stores in North America.

4. Imported grapes and apples are a Christmastime treat.


Bikpela hamamas blong dispela Krismas go long yu!