The reasons why people travel are just as varied as those
in western societies. However, there is one situation which does differ, and
that is after a person's death. Culturally it is extremely important for the
person before he or she dies to know that they will be taken home for burial.
Similarly, the relatives are deeply concerned to transport the body home,
even though the expenses can be very considerable.
Death is much more open in PNG, probably because it is so much more common.
People die younger and sickness and disease which would be treatable in
developed countries is more frequently fatal.
Smartly dressed funeral entourages accompany the coffin home where, with
loud wailing and crying and very open displays of grief, it is carried away
for a period of community mourning and then burial.
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