- Categories:
- Cultural
- Tags:
- AppreciationFederalHistorical
- Where:
- Vanuatu
- Date change rule:
- Every March 5
- Holiday emoji:
- 👑
Custom Chief’s Day recognizes the revered traditional leaders of Vanuatu every March 5. This public holiday honors the National Council of Chiefs, known as the Malvatu Mauri, for their vital role in preserving the nation’s rich culture and indigenous languages. Join in celebrating the enduring wisdom and guidance these chiefs provide to their communities and government.
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History of Custom Chief's Day
The Malvatu Mauri, or the National Council of Chiefs, was established by the government of the Republic of Vanuatu, in 1977, to propose ways to preserve the traditional Vanuatu way of life. The word ‘mal’ translates into ‘chief,’ ‘vatu’ means ‘stone,’ ‘island,’ or ‘place,’ while ‘mauri’ means “something that is alive.” The chiefs are elected by members of the district councils of chiefs, and their main role is to advise the government on matters surrounding the culture and indigenous languages of Vanuatu. Although they have no actual legislative power, the government always welcomes their advice.
Vanuatu is an archipelago of over 80 islands. In the 1880s, parts of the archipelago were claimed by France and the United Kingdom. In 1906, both colonial powers made an agreement to jointly manage Vanuatu through an Anglo-French condominium and the islands were renamed the New Hebrides. On July 30, 1980, the New Hebrides got their independence from colonial rule. It was admitted into the United Nations on September 15, 1981.
Through it all, most ni-Vanuatu clung to their traditions, refusing to conform to European standards. Thus, in each community, chiefs are recognized as the uppermost authority. This is why it was so important to establish a national day in their honor. On Custom Chiefs Day, the people of Vanuatu celebrate with feasts, sporting events, agricultural fairs, art festivals, carnivals, singing, dancing, and other festivities.
Custom Chief's Day timeline
France and the United Kingdom agree to jointly control the New Hebrides.
The Malvatu Mauri is set up by the government of Vanuatu.
Vanuatu declares independence from the United Kingdom and France.
Vanuatu is admitted into the United Nations on September 15.
Custom Chief's Day FAQs
When is Custom Chief's Day?
In 2027, Custom Chief’s Day will be observed on Friday, March 5. It’s a day when the people of Vanuatu reflect on the guidance provided by their chiefs and the importance of ‘kastom’.
What is the Malvatu Mauri?
As the highest traditional body in Vanuatu, the Malvatu Mauri serves as a crucial link between customary law and modern governance. Its members are respected elders who ensure that ancestral wisdom informs national policies.
How many islands in Vanuatu have traditional chiefs?
The influence of traditional chiefs extends throughout the diverse cultural landscape of Vanuatu, with their roles varying slightly from island to island. Their presence is fundamental to the social fabric of the nation, guiding communities in daily life and cultural practices.
Is Custom Chief's Day a public holiday?
In Vanuatu, Custom Chief’s Day is indeed a recognized public holiday, ensuring that the nation takes time to acknowledge and celebrate the invaluable contributions of its chiefs to cultural identity and community cohesion.
Custom Chief's Day Activities
Celebrate the custom chiefs
Custom Chiefs Day is dedicated to celebrating and honoring the local chiefs who’ve acted as a strong pillar of culture. If you're ni-Vanuatu, celebrate these leaders by appreciating all their hard work.
Honor your local leaders
Wherever you are in the world, there are local leaders who administrate and adjudicate. Give them some well-deserved appreciation as well!
Use the hashtag
Why not tell others about this unique day? Use the hashtag #CustomChiefsDay across all your social media accounts to raise awareness.
5 Interesting Facts About Vanuatu
Only 65 islands are inhabited
Vanuatu is made up of 80 islands, but only 65 are inhabited by people.
Vanuatu has over 100 languages
Ni-Vanuatu speaks about 138 indigenous Oceanic languages.
Vanuatu is home to Mount Yasur
Located in Vanuatu, Mount Yasur is the most accessible active volcano in the world.
Vanuatu is small
Vanuatu is the smallest of five independent nations in Melanesia.
Prince Phillip is Revered
On Tanna, a remote island in Vanuatu, a religious sect called the Prince Philip Movement believes Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh, is divine.
Why We Love Custom Chief's Day
Culture ties us together
The world has become a global village, yet the need for our unique cultures and traditions has and will never be erased. The government of Vanuatu has done admirably well in recognizing this and taking positive steps to ensure their culture is preserved.
Chiefs preserve tradition
Chiefs are custodians of culture and tradition. In most societies, Western influence has eroded core values. All the more reason to appreciate the chiefs and other local leaders in countries that have managed to preserve them.
Leaders deserve to be celebrated
Leaders, whatever their levels are on the ladder of governance, play important roles in our society. Often, their hard work goes unrecognized, so this is an opportunity to celebrate and honor them.
