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Culture

PVA_male_dancers_Mandy_T_EtpisonAlthough in the past few decades Palau has adapted to an international economy, the people of Palau for the most part strongly identify with their traditional culture. Several of the traditional ceremonies, such as the Omersurch Birth Ceremony, Ocheraol First-house Ceremony and the Kemeldiil Funeral services are widely practiced and the codes and beliefs adopted by Palauan forefathers are still revered today.Probably the most noticeable aspect of Palauan culture is the people's connection to the sea. Traditionally, it was the duty of the family to go to sea to catch fish and battle against enemy villages. As the sea was the source of their livelihood, men developed a close relationship with the waters of Palau, becoming versant in the currents and the phases of the moon and the behaviour of the fish they sought to put on the table.Women generally stayed on land or along the shallow reefs surrounding the islands, rather than combat the open ocean, providing foundation for the family. Their days were largely spent tending to their homes, family, and fields where they grew taro.Palauan villages were, and still are, organised around ten clans reckoned matrilineal. Bai_landscape_Bert_YatesA council of chiefs from the ten ranking clans governed the village and a parallel council of their female counterparts held a significant advisory role in the division and control of land and money.Palauans are highly sociable people. Traditionally, history, lore, and knowledge were passed on through generations by word of mouth as there was no written language until the late 1800's. Palauans still practice that traditional method and at the end of the day, one can often find pockets of Palauans excitingly engaged in the telling of stories of the more recent past.

 

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That in Palau, you can take a bath in the Milky Way?

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That prisoners in Koror carve storyboards?

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That the government building in Melekeok is called “The White House of the Pacific”?

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That you can go zip lining in Palau?

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That there were the Palauan pygmys?

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That Palau has its own beer brewing company, called Red Rooster?

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About Belau Air, Palau's first government certified air carrier?

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That Palau has a Jungle River Boat Cruise where you can spot crocodiles?

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That Palau offers kayak eco tours through the mangrove forests?

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That you can go island hopping across the Pacific with the Star Alliance Micronesia Airpass?

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That Palau is ideal for weddings or honeymoons, as the surrounding beauty adds a wonderful touch to your dreams?

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That Palau has some of the best waves in the world for surfing?

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That you can play, swim or dive with Dolphins at Palau’s Dolphin Bay?

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That Palau has a lake filled to the brim with "sting less" jellyfish

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That more than 80.000 people visited Palau in 2010?

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That Palau introduced the world’s first Shark Sanctuary?

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That the 790 feet long Koror? Babeldaob Bridge was constructed during 1975? 1977, and cost $5.2 million dollars. The bridge collapsed on September 26, 1996.

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That Palau is known to have 7 out of the 9 species of clams in the world?

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That Palau is among the top ten most ethical places in the world?

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That the famous TV show Survivors was shot in Palau?

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That Palau has been named one of the Underwater Wonders of the world?

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That there was no written language until the late 1800's?

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That Palau has the "Green Fee" to help support natural resource and conservation efforts?

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