10 Utterly Fascinating Cults

Man, that last one is depressing, how about a harmless cargo cult then? A cargo cult is a catch-all term relating to remote islanders encountering visitors who would bring previously unseen items like radios, watches and chocolate. Due to their inherent isolation with the outside world, beliefs in the divinity of these visitors are bolstered by their ability to fly (in planes) and their apparent parallels to various folk lore and legends.

One of the most famous and wide-ranging of these 'cargo cults' is the John Frum movement based in the island of Tanna in Vanuatu. Within the existing legends and beliefs of the island John Frum is characterised as either a prophet or a manifestation of the God Keraperamun, who would bring prosperity to the natives. It's hard to pinpoint when the movement first began, but it exploded in popularity for the islanders during World War 2 when US forces landed with huge amounts of their cargo such as food and medicine.

The islanders believe John Frum will return and shower them with gifts as a reward for their devotion. They mark 15 February as his return date but don't specify a year, so they have a huge parade and celebration annually just in case. John Frum isn't the only cargo cult on the island of Tanna, as the members of the Prince Philip Movement (like John Frum, but substitute the US Army for the Duke of Edinburgh) also call the island home.