The Coming of the Light Festival is a day of symbolism, commemoration and thanksgiving. The day starts with a procession from the beach to the Anglican church to recreate the landing of the missionaries onto the beach and their walk through the bushes until confronted by the islanders.
Bishop Mabo and clerics getting ready for the procession |
The Coming of the Light procession from the beach to the Anglican Church |
Arriving at the church |
Once at the church there was a re-enactment of the meeting between the two groups. If you can imagine, the islanders - never having seen a white man - were afraid of the people with the pale skin and put on a show of strength with their spears. But eventually they were won over by, of all things .... cigarettes. So by acquainting them to the joys of tobacco, the missionaries were then able to introduce them to the joys of Christianity.
Winning over the islanders |
Leading the procession into church, praying at the Coming of the Light monument |
Lots of kai-kai |
Preparing kai-kai in Anzac Park |
Dancing in Anzac Park to celebrate the Coming of the Light |
Star of the Sea residents Margaret (in green), Anna (in yellow) and Arthur (background in wheelchair) enjoying the festival |
IBIS did not close so Rob met me for lunch - the park is only a minute away from the shop. There was such a great atmosphere I called him up and suggested he come down. By the time he got there I'd caught up with Jan and Colin - they're enjoying the company of their daughter and son-in-law who are visiting from Tully for a few days.
So the six of us sat on the grass and enjoyed kai-kai, music and fun as we too celebrated with the islanders the Coming of the Light.
Life is good.
Loved reading about the coming of the light Silvana.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos too!
xx
Good evening Silvana,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your post. I'm actually trying to find out the name of the ship these Anglican ministers arrived on! A friend is looking to get a model made of this ship that brought the Gospel to these people.
Any ideas on the name of the ship or who I might be able to contact about it?
Thanks!
Mr Devan Foster