Gomo gomo

A Gomo gomo is a traditional Tolai (my fathers people group) ceremony, during which the first born child of the families first born son, is brought out of the family home and presented to society. It is a celebration of the child and the continuation of the family line. It is also significant because when the child, in this case Tré, is presented to society as a member of the family, in this case the Pidik family, the child is seen to have the authority of the family and entitled to the family inheritance. Tré’s Gomo gomo was especially significant because he is the first born son, of the first born son, of the family patriarch (my father); which means Tré is in line to be Chief.

On the morning of the Gomo gomo, the stage was set for a pretty big occasion, that is until it began to rain. Thankfully by the time the Gomo gomo was due to start, the rain backed off considerably to a light sprinkle. In hind sight, the rain was a probably a blessing because it cut down on the number of those in attendance; which had the potential to be overwhelming.

All in all, it was a great day. The Solid Rock Outreach Team was here, so it was neat that they were able to be a part of all the festivities. We had all the girls in “Meri Blouses” and the boys in “Lap laps” and carrying Tolai baskets; which we had flown over from Rabaul (where my father is originally from; an island off the coast of the mainland). My family was excited to be able to honor them as representatives of our American family, which they did in our traditional way, by giving them all “Tabu” (our traditional shell money).

It was also a great opportunity as Tré’s parents to pray blessing over Tré and declare the inheritance he has as Gods son. As in most cultures, the day culminated with the sharing of food; in PNG a “Mumu” (food cooked with hot stones in the ground).

It is traditional in Tolai culture that after everything has taken place, the hosts show there appreciation to all those who made the occasion possible, again by distributing “Tabu”. Nats and I did this the following night.