World War II, Cargo Cults in the South Pacific

New Religious Groups Started by Abandoned United States Cargo Ships

Aug 25, 2008

Imagine a stone age culture suddenly inundated with twentieth century technology and manufactured goods by the full strength of American Military power and machinery.

The term Cargo Cult has come to define the religious response of South Sea cultures to the massive build up of army and naval power in the South Pacific during World War 2. A religious response was a natural reaction to the awesome force of power and technology that the allies brought to bear on the war against Japan. In the native's eyes, only a divine source of power could have brought the fearsome firepower and the "magic" technology of radio communication, medical advances, vehicular speed, and massive seafaring vessels. They became enamored with anything associated with this "power of God".

Religious Rituals

In order to please these new gods, the native cultures began to imitate the armed forces that accompanied them. They began to march in perfect imitation of US Army training groups. They fashioned "rifles" from bamboo to carry on their shoulders. Though the heavy clothing of the American Army was not practical, these marchers would be known to paint a red, white and blue USA across their chests. However, the leaders of these groups are known to sport rather exact replicas of an American Officers uniform. They also began to arrange their villages in strict military order with tents "squared away" around a central command post which might fly a replica of the US flag or the Red Cross Flag (or both) on a central flag pole.

Religious Relics

As the war raged on and especially as it wound down, these "cults" would collect discarded "cargo" that was left behind because it was no longer useful or would cost too much to ship home. Reports have told of Globes, axes and green stones carved in the shape of silver dollars that are revered because they were made by the gods long ago to provide powerful magic. Many also spend much time and effort clearing landing strips for the gods to bring more blessings from heaven. They also expend great amounts of effort to make water ports to which they believe the god's ships will be able to use to bring more of bounty of heaven to their shores.

Religious Leaders

One particular cult has an ancient leader who has given the organization its name. It is the John Frum Cult. Various reports say the John Frum was a white messenger of the gods. His name comes from his home. He was said to claim that he was John Frum America and that he is expected back someday to teach all of them how they can get to heaven (America) too. Some think he was a US Serviceman or supply agent that spent time on their islands in World War II. Others say he was just a figure named in a prophecy by one of the cults early female prophets.

Sources

The Man With the Bird on His Head: The Amazing Fulfillment of a Mysterious Island Prophecy by John Rush and Abbe Anderson, 2007, YWAM Publishing

The Trumpet Shall Sound: A Study of "cargo" Cults in Melanesia by Peter Worsley, 1957, MacGibbon & Kee

The copyright of the article World War II, Cargo Cults in the South Pacific in Modern US History is owned by Roger Saunders. Permission to republish World War II, Cargo Cults in the South Pacific in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.