Life in Renga

It is tragic that the British occupation was so successful in destroying the original Renganese culture. The popular trend in Renga today, as elsewhere, is an attempt to recover indigenous heritage. Remnants of ancient ritual and religion are often drawn on for contemporary literature and drama. There have been several unsuccessful attempts to revive the native language as well. Unfortunately, there is simply too little left to draw on. By the time any serious attempts to document and codify the indigenous language, there were no longer any fluent speakers alive. Since it was never a written language, spoken Renganese today most likely has no more than a passing resemblance to its forebear. Most linguists agree that the grammar and syntax will never be certain. All that remains is a limited vocabulary of words and phrases.

When fine artists and serious writers attempt to draw on this fragmented heritage, the result is, sadly, often artificial and strained and the representations caricaturish. Fortunately, there is a thriving folk art community which cares little for formal historical investigation. These artists feel free to draw on whatever forms and inspirations are available, whether they are European, Pacific Island or some remnant of Renganese culture. Amateur performance groups abound. The value that the Renganese place on play, music and communal activity ensure that there is always an opportunity to dance, sing, play music or act, whether formally or in improvisation groups. Storytelling is considered the most important of the expressive skills in Renga and the best are renowned throughout the islands.

Athletics are popular, though organized sports are much less so. Competition is not always seen as a virtuous activity; however some non-competitive sports or games are popular. The game of Heatherball is played all over Renga. Groups of people attempt to keep a light ball in the air and within a playing field as long as possible. The game can go on for hours without the ball dropping or going out. Futbal, or soccer, has become more popular recently. The Renganese love the grace and teamwork in the game, but, so far, there are no leagues or formal competition.

The religious life of the Renganese is perhaps the most difficult aspect to describe. Protestant Christianity is well established and is the most widely practiced formal religion. However, adherents number fewer than a quarter of the population and interest in the church is not apparently growing. As a part of the interest in traditional culture, there have been attempts to reconstruct an understanding of the animistic beliefs that predominated prior to European settlement. However, similar to the attempts to revive the language, the interest has been confined to small groups. Zen and Taoism have gained substantial numbers of adherents and a meditation centers have been established, most concentrated on the main island. During the middle and late decades of the twentieth century, western analysts sometimes compared Renga to the "godless" communist nation states. The Renganese appear to have a quite different view. Balok Rotua, a scholar of religion offers a contrary point of view. "It is not that the people of Renga lack an interest and engagement in a spiritual life, on the contrary. What they find odd and even amusing about Europeans and Americans is that they place their spiritual life in a container, apart from life itself. The notion of a codified religion or a separate house of worship simply does not resonate with the people of Renga." In response to the charge of "godlessness" he wrote, "How could the Renganese live in peace and … be cut of from the most profound relationship of all?" Though formal religion may seem of small significance, the Renganese regard themselves as an actively spiritual people.