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The people of Belau, as the
islanders call their homeland, may appear to be among the most
Westernized of all Micronesians in their casual American togs and
baseball caps. However, they still frown upon skimpy beach attire away
from the water, and most homes and many public buildings require that
you leave your shoes near the door. Furthermore, many traditional rites
have been retained over the years, such as those for a first-born
child, and village chiefs still command an important role in the social
hierarchy.
Most Palauans are Christian, with the Catholic and Protestant churches
well established and Jehovah's Witnesses, Seventh-Day Adventists and
Bahais gaining in membership. Modekngei is a revived form of the
indigenous religion, which also shows up in traditions such as leaving
a light on to ward off spooks.
Staples of the traditional Palauan diet include coconut milk and meat
(copra), cassava (tapioca), sweet potatoes and all sorts of fish and
seafood. Japanese and American mealtime influences are common. Although
not as prevalent as it is on Yap, many Palauans chew betel nut, which
when mixed with lime powder produces copious amounts of bright red
spit. Old-time chewers are noted by their red teeth, newcomers by the
stains on their chins and shirts.
Palauan is spoken at home and in casual situations, while English is
more common in business and government. Schools teach both languages,
so most Palauans are bilingual from an early age. The South-West
Islanders speak some Sonsorolese and Tobian languages. Islanders have
borrowed the Hawaiian term haole to refer to foreigners.
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