Buai Makes the World Go Round

Buai (aka beetle nut) is a green nut that grows on top of a tall straight tree. It is MAJORLY important in the culture of the lowlands people of PNG. NO event is complete without it. I beleive it is considered a mild stimulant. The people will tell you that there are two types of buai. there is good buai and buai i gat spak. there is no way to tell the difference until you kaikai (chew it). i have gotten a hold of both types and though there is much debate among missionaries on the evils/importance of buai (it has a definate addictive nature)we decided that this is a very direct inroad to the people. When people kaikai buai together it signifies they are of wan bel (one heart/mind). So although we tried it only twice each at importanat times, we kept a little on hand for visitors etc.

{big bunch of buai at the bride price ceremony}

in order for buai to be effective it is chewed with a piece of daka (a small green pepper) dipped in kumban (lime made of seashells). the combintion of ingredients turns red and becomes warm in your mouth, you feel your heart beat a little harder and yours eyes open a little wider (this is the good buai). the closest thing i can equate it to is espresso.

However, buai i gat spak causes you to feel exteremely dizzy and shakey, sick on your stomache, cold sweaty, and awful. i talked with one lady who was sparked by buai and swore off it completely (much like myself)...

this is such an important topic i'll have to cover more tommorrow~

peace and love to you

tc