John Frum Movement Unveiled: Pacific Islander Cargo Cult Worshipping a Fictional U.S. Soldier in Secret
The John Frum movement, a unique and intriguing religious phenomenon, has its roots in the island nation of Vanuatu, dating back to the 1930s. This cargo cult, named after the spiritual figure John Frum, is one of the best-documented and longest-lasting examples of such movements in the South Pacific.
John Frum is revered as a figure who promises to bring Western goods as a reward to those who resist colonizers. Unlike many other cargo cults, John Frum is not a confirmed historical figure, but a spiritual entity whose message resonates deeply with the Indigenous islanders.
The John Frum movement reached its peak in the mid-20th century, during and immediately after World War II, when American troops visited the islands and brought Western goods. The U.S. soldiers were often perceived as supernatural by the locals due to their advanced technology and generosity. This perception led to the belief that John Frum was a white American World War II-era soldier.
The origins of the John Frum movement are believed to have come from a group of village elders holding a spiritual ceremony on the island of Tanna. The first documented publication about the presumed origin of the John Frum story was by Peter Worsley in his 1957 study, "The trumpet shall sound: a study of 'cargo' cults in Melanesia."
The message of colonial resistance and a return to kastom (customary practices) inspired the Indigenous islanders to follow John Frum's instructions, despite there being little evidence to support his existence. Many cargo cults developed during this period, and the John Frum movement is just one of many examples.
As the years passed, the John Frum movement saw a decline in followers. In the 1990s, it counted around 5,000 followers, but by 2022, this number had decreased to about 500, partly due to the rise of Christianity and industrialization.
Despite the decline, the John Frum movement continues to live on today through the celebration of John Frum Day on the island of Tanna every February 15th. During the celebration, men dress like American soldiers, paint "USA" on their chests, and march while using bamboo sticks as mock rifles. They also build mock air control towers, radio devices, and full replica airplanes, in an attempt to convince the cargo to return.
The John Frum movement is a representation of resistance to Western colonialism in the South Pacific, and its enduring legacy continues to be a fascinating study for anthropologists and historians alike.
