The Independance Day Project- Student's Mumu

 This year the college did something different in celebration of Papua New Guinea's Independence Day.  They gave the students a pig (a very large one!) and all the other necessary items to cook it, and gave most of the kitchen staff the day off. 

Around 9:00 this morning, I walked on down to the area where they were preparing their own feast.

 Now, the college has about 100 students, and about 40 of them were there, working together to make this meal.  These students come form all over PNG and at least 10 different areas were represented today.

 I saw some great examples of team work and leadership.  By this time, the pig had been killed, and had it's little operation to remove all the "insides."  Those "insides" had been cleaned out, and were now being used in the preparation of the meal.  The stones had been heated up for the allotted time, and the blood sausage had already been made.  The greens and banana leaves were gathered.  The kaukau (sweet potato) and other vegetables were being pealed and prepped for cooking and the fire pit was being prepared for all to be placed inside. 

I did mention that the students are from at least 10 different areas, right?  Each of these areas has some slightly different ways of performing this PNG custom.  Some "heated" discussions over hot stone placements and correct way to do this and that took place.  They all kept their cool though, as many hot stones were placed in seemingly the correct spot and a only few fingers got a little too much exposure to the heat. 


I got to hear from a few different students of how this was done at their place; what they did different and what they did the same.  I also am sure I heard lots of phrases said by parents and relatives of the students while doing these same actions.  "More greens here," and "Do not put the stone there."

You all did well, your parents would be proud, I loved seeing your teamwork and I hope you all enjoy your feast!





  Happy Independence Day PNG!