Traditional Life
What does the Marshallese word Manit mean?
culture, traditions and customs
What is the Marshallese word for canoe?
Wa
Who is Letao?
Letao is a famous Marshallese trickster figure who teaches lessons through mischief.
What is the Marshallese word for breadfruit?
Ma
Who is the Iroij in Marshallese society?
The Iroij is the chief/landowner and traditional leader.
What are bwij (extended family) important for in Marshallese society?
Bwij (extended family) are important because they decide inheritance, land rights, and provide social support.
What is the name of the stick chart used by navigators?
The stick chart is called a Rebbelib (also Mattang for teaching, Meddo for specific routes).
What legend explains the creation of the first Marshallese man and woman?
The legend of Jebro and Jemeli or first man and woman from a clam shell explains creation.
What is bwiro made from?
Bwiro is made from fermented breadfruit.
What is the role of the Alap?
The Alap is the head of a lineage or clan section, managing land on behalf of the Iroij.
What traditional meeting house is used for community gatherings?
The traditional meeting house is called a Maneaba (or Bwilok Ajri-kij in some contexts).
What do Marshallese navigators use to read waves and swells?
Navigators read waves, swells, currents, and the feel of the ocean.
Which story teaches lessons about respect for land and chiefs?
Stories of chiefs (e.g., Iroij Jebrik) teach respect for land and leaders.
Why is pandanus fruit important?
Pandanus fruit is important because it is a staple food, preserved easily, and used for snacks, drinks, and flour.
Who are the Rijerbal?
Rijerbal are the workers/common people who use and work the land.
Which matrilineal system determines land rights in the Marshall Islands?
The matrilineal system determines land rights — land is passed down through mothers’ lineage.
Why are the Marshall Islands called a “nation of navigators”?
The Marshall Islands are a “nation of navigators” because they mastered long-distance sea voyaging using natural signs.
What role do jined ilo manit (elders in culture) play in passing down legends?
Jined ilo manit are elders who preserve and pass down legends and customs orally.
What food item was traditionally preserved in underground pits for famine times?
Breadfruit was preserved in underground pits for times of famine.
Why is kojerbal (working together) important in community survival?
Kojerbal means working together as a community, vital for survival and unity.
What are the names for chiefs and landowners in traditional Marshallese culture?
The leaders are: Iroij (chiefs), Alap (clan heads), Rijerbal (workers/commoners)
Which star knowledge system helped Marshallese find their way across the ocean?
They used the star compass system — memorizing rising/setting points of stars for navigation.
What is the meaning of the story of Jebro and Jemeli (brotherhood and cooperation)?
The story of Jebro and Jemeli teaches brotherhood, sharing, and cooperation.
What role does coconut play in daily Marshallese life?
Coconut is called the “tree of life” — used for food, drink, medicine, oil, weaving materials, and building.
How does the Marshallese proverb “Jab in ra etap” (Don’t paddle halfway) teach about leadership?
The proverb “Jab in ra etap” (Don’t paddle halfway) means commit fully, don’t quit — true leadership requires perseverance.