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by Ugly Dougly » Tue Mar 07, 2006 4:20 pm
Jon Frum (or John Frum) is a figure associated with cargo cults in Vanuatu. On the island Tanna, there is a god named "kerapenmun" associated with a mountain, Mount Tukosmeru. A native named Mancheri, under the alias of Jon Frum, posed as this god and began a cult by appearing to some people and making promises of "houses, clothes, food, transport." The cult is still active today. The followers believe that Jon Frum will come back on a February 15th. This date is observed as "John Frum Day".
The name "John Frum" is possibly derived from World War 2 GIs introducing themselves to the locals as "John from America".
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, as well, has been worshipped in Vanuatu by cargo-cult followers, the Prince Philip Movement. He is regarded as the head of the cargo suppliers. Notice that the cultist wouldn't accept a woman for this role, so they took the queen's husband.
The Jon Frum movement also has its own political party, led by Song Keaspai.
15 February is John Frum Day in Vanuatu.