Advice For Bachelors - Message Board

Oh blush.

They probably do it on the run.

Reply #183. Apr 16 12, 3:41 AM

Well you know the old saying, "Where there's a will, there's a way"

Reply #184. Apr 16 12, 4:06 AM

BTW the description "squealing heap of unpleasantness" is probably an apt description for some. He/She needs to remember we all come into the world the same way, or did He/She find another way in. LOL

Reply #185. Apr 16 12, 4:11 AM

I think it sounds a bit odd. It would mean a woman only had a baby even seven years. Or only one baby altogether. Can't be right. They would have bred themselves into extinction.

Reply #186. Apr 16 12, 5:27 AM

I've been trying to find out some info on it but not yet. But I did see they hold their parliamentary meetings in Pidgin Engliish.

That's the language our parliamentarians speak too I think. Nothing they say makes any sense.

Reply #187. Apr 16 12, 5:38 AM

Surprising as it may seem, the island in question does not boast a Hilton, Savoy or any kind of motel. So, would you believe? they just trot off into the jungle and bang away. No big deal. Without recourse to western methods of make-up, silly dress modes, and ludicrous physical gestures, one woman looks pretty much the same as the next. Might be that personality comes into it.

Reply #188. Apr 16 12, 6:11 AM

Here's some general info:

"Marriage. The choice of a marriage partner is rarely left to the individual. After initiation into adult society, young men and women spend time with the opposite sex in supervised courtship sessions. Ideal marriage partners are hardworking and attractive. Clan exogamy is a must, and parents hope their daughters will marry prosperous suitors whose kin pay large bride-prices and who will be good allies in exchange and war. Women pressed into incompatible marriages can return home or threaten suicide. If those strategies fail, young women may run away with lovers or commit suicide.

Men are more likely to be unmarried, as polygyny is practiced and big men attract a greater share of wives. In Gende society, as many as 10 percent of adult males are polygynous at some time. Divorce occurs even in areas where Catholicism is practiced. Often it is the women who initiate it, as men are loath to lose a female worker (How romantic).

As Papua New Guineans become more involved in the cash economy and urbanization, marriage patterns are being transformed. Bride-price inflation is one response to economic inequality. (It used to be a couple of fat healthy pigs or special clam shells etc) The practice of women competing for men rather than men trying to attract women is having an impact on marital politics throughout the nation. Women are in an insecure position, especially urban women who must tolerate domestic abuse and infidelity to hold on to their husbands. (Pigs to that!)

Domestic Unit. The basic village household consists of a husband, a wife, their unmarried children, and perhaps the husband's parents. Extended families live in adjacent houses, gathering frequently for meals, companionship, work parties, and ceremonies. Men's houses are no longer common, although young men may live with other bachelors. Household decisions involve consensus between able-bodied adults, although young wives defer to older members. Residence is usually patrilocal. A couple may be joined by their parents and other kin.

Infant Care. Most babies are born outside the village in a birth hut or garden house, where mother and child spend the first few days or weeks after the birth in relative isolation, gathering strength and hiding from malevolent forces. For the next several years, mothers nurse their babies, and the babies are carried everywhere and played with by adoring relatives. In many societies, there is a small feast when the baby, especially a first child, is around a year old to celebrate its existence and let the parents show their appreciation to all those who made its birth possible, including the mother's family and the bride-price supporters.

Child rearing is indulgent until age five or six for girls and a few years older for boys. Children explore their environment and run free most of the day. Corporal punishment is rare as people believe a child's spirit may leave its body if the child is hit or frightened. A troublesome child is left alone or ignored. If necessary, such children may be taken to the bush or a garden house to act out or sulk. Children are taught by example. Little girls follow in their mothers' and older sisters' footsteps, at first doing child minding or running errands, and later helping in the gardens. Boys spend a longer time playing with other boys but eventually collect firewood and carry water and, later, clear bush and hunt or fish with their fathers...."

It seems a shame really that their culture has changed so much with the advent of European settlers etc, but sadly, it happens everywhere. They used to eat people though, which is a bit icky.
.....

Here's the link if you want to read more. It's quite interesting.

http://www.everyculture.com/No-Sa/Papua-New-Guinea.html

Reply #189. Apr 16 12, 6:14 AM

I should imagine one man looks pretty much the same as the next too :)

Reply #190. Apr 16 12, 6:24 AM

Absolutely right, Creedy.

Reply #191. Apr 16 12, 6:31 AM

Forgot to mmention that not all tribes behave in the same way. There are some variations on your posted theme, but in general, that is - or was was? about it.

Reply #192. Apr 16 12, 6:35 AM

I really should make more effort to read previous posts, but I'm in a rush.

re: #185. Quite right, it's just that I cannot resist winding up certain bundles of 'squealing unpleasantness'. :)

Reply #193. Apr 16 12, 6:38 AM

Good for you Creedy, a bit different to the rather crass earlier comments which is typical of cynics.

Thank you for this rather more informative and I would think more correct version of the customs and lives of these people. A far better comment than the original diatribe on this subject

Reply #194. Apr 16 12, 6:49 AM

C30	Let it not be said that FT is anything but educational! Discussions on the merits of Vegemite and the sex life of Papua New Guineans...........all in a few days..........I'm in danger of information overload! Lol LOVE it! Reply #195. Apr 16 12, 7:02 AM

Fancy being bought as a bride in exchange for a big fat pig. I hope that included the tail. It sure kills the idea of romance. Imagine it here.

Man: Darling I love you
Woman: I love you too, Harry
(Pig: Oink, Oink!)
Man: You remind me of Jayne Mansfield, darling
Woman: Oh Harry
(Pig: Snuffle, Oink!)
Man: Then again there's someone about your eyes that remind me of Gina Whatsername
Woman: Oh Harry, you're so romantic. Not at all like most other Australian men
(Pig: Squeal, snuffle, oink!)
Man: I'll just take the pig into your Dad and then we'll run off into the jungle for 17 seconds
Woman: I'm so looking forward to roast pork at the wedding, Harry
(Pig: Oink?)

Reply #196. Apr 16 12, 7:17 AM

daver852

Women sure are cheap in Papua New Guinea. In ancient Ireland, a woman was worth three cows.

Reply #197. Apr 16 12, 7:23 AM

Three! That mut have been the beginning of inflation. LOL

Reply #198. Apr 16 12, 7:34 AM

C30	Had to be cows I suppose Daver.......no Bull? Reply #199. Apr 16 12, 7:38 AM