There is a video showcasing what the jump can look like. Click to watch the video.
Definition:
“Land diving” is a traditional ritual performed by the people of Pentecost Island in Vanuatu, where individuals, primarily boys and men, dive from wooden towers with vines tied to their ankles. The purpose of the ritual is to demonstrate courage, ensure a good harvest, and mark the transition to manhood.
Etymology:
The term “land diving” comes from the literal act of diving towards the land. The local name for the ritual is “Nagol” or “N’gol.”
Description:
The ritual is performed annually between April and June, coinciding with the yam harvest season. The ritual is closely tied to the yam harvest, with the dives believed to ensure a successful crop by appeasing the gods and spirits.
A wooden tower, often 20 to 30 meters high, is constructed using local materials such as tree trunks and branches. Vines are carefully chosen and tested for their strength and elasticity to ensure the safety of the divers. Divers undergo various rituals and preparations, including blessings and traditional ceremonies. Divers climb the tower, tie the vines to their ankles, and leap headfirst towards the ground. The goal is to come as close to the ground as possible without touching it, with the vines breaking their fall. Some believe that the forehead should barely touch the ground for the jump to be considered successful. The event is attended by the community, who sing, dance, and offer support to the divers.
Land diving is also known to be part of initiation rites for young men. As children, they start jumping from the lowest step of the tower and move upward, eventually jumping from the top as adults.