Every year, new songs are composed. Each song tells the wonderful story of the angels singing, and of the 3 wise men following the Star to Bethlehem. Due to this
practice, there is no
traditional Marshallese Christmas songs. All of them are very good.
Over the years, the story of how the 3 wise men following the star to
find Baby Jesus sleeping in the manger was incorporated into the Marshallese
style of observing important events in the life of a community. For
instance, on the occasion of a child's first birthday, family and
friends go in the middle of the night to serenade and bring gifts to
the child. This is a way of acknowledging and welcoming the child into
the community. Similarly, on Christmas eve, different 'jepta' go to the
pastor's house with food and gifts. They will let the pastor and his
family have sneak previews of what each one had taken months to
rehearse prior to presenting it to the community on Christmas Day. This
practice is called 'kotak iju' - rising star. It signifies the official
opening of Christmas Day celebration! In the days gone by, Christmas
Day celebration was not as elaborate as it is practiced today. The
gifts that each 'jepta' member brought to the church was reasonably
affordable. They ranged from bath and laundry soap, towels, bags of
rice, flour, sugar, coffee, tea and anything else that the 'jepta' was
moved to present. These gifts were to support the pastor and his family
during the coming new year. Usually these gifts are also shared with
identified members of the community.On Christmas Day, the program begins in church with a worship service. That is followed by an announcement of which 'jepta' will perform first, second and afterwards. There is no limit on how many songs a 'jepta' will sing and for how long! Therefore, due to this practice, it is not uncommon to have the celebration go on well into the night.
There is so much excitement in the air as the approach of the first 'jepta' is announced. Usually, the long procession is formed outside and it works itself among the crowd to enter the church. The air is filled with the sound of whistle blowing! All eyes are focused on the entrance! What is noticed first of all is the group's uniform - the color and style of the women's uniform and their other attractive adornment, then the members keeping step to the music - being careful not to be out of step that will cause laughter!
The children, a multitude of them, anticipate catching candies and other treats. As the excitement swells, spectators jump in to join in the circle to greet friends, to sing and dance along with the group and add to the donation in a basket. The highlight of each 'jepta's performance is at the end when members go around in a circle and throw candies and other treats to everyone. At each turn, money is collected in a basket and other gifts are laid down at the altar. Money at that time meant dimes and nickels; what was affordable. In today's economy, the dollar bill has replaced the coins, however, the concept of gift giving is still to support the pastor and his family throughout the coming year.
Usually, there are other visiting 'jepta' who come in from other churches. They are also given time to sing and to present their gifts. The process of gift offering repeats itself 'jepta' after 'jepta'! It is no wonder the Christmas Day celebration goes on into the night and everyone enjoys it.
The host church prepares lots of food to feed everyone, including guests, therefore, everyone remains in church, and the celebration goes on and on!
This style of celebration is typically a Marshallese way of honoring what Christmas Day represents. It involves the entire community and not only those of Christian faith. Individually, a person will put on the best attire as a way of showing respect for what Christmas means. As a community, many join in the 'jepta' and participate in the day’s celebration. Because the practice of gift giving is part of the culture, the people willingly bring what they can afford.
Reflecting the Marshallese emphasis on community, Christmas Day is observed in church, not at home. Almost nobody stays at home during this time. Christmas Day is a time that reunites families and brings them back to church. It is a time that inspires all to have their Christian faith raise to a higher level.
-Elma Coleman