Three Things About Truk

Here are three things you may or may not have known about Truk:

You may know it as Truk but its true name is Chuuk

The island of Chuuk and its inhabitants were first discovered when the Spanish landed in the mid-1500's. Not much attention was paid to this small island territory until Germany purchased it from the Spaniards in 1898 and its name was eventually changed to Truk. After Germany's defeat in  World War I, control of Truk was turned over to the Japanese, but come another world war, in 1944 Truk was the subject of a US attack that lasted 3 days, named "Opertion Hailstorm". When the Japanese surrendered in August of 1945, any claim to Micronesian islands was relinquished. Through various alliances, Truk became a Trust Territory of the US until gaining its independence on November 3, 1986. It was then that Truk changed back to its original name of Chuuk.

Chuukese Love Stick  - you may think of it as a valentine

Nipwepweiaa (nipwepwe) – the Chuukese "love stick". Something now from days gone by, young men would carve two wooden “love sticks” with identical personal designs. A short one would be displayed in his hair. A longer one would be given to the woman of his adoration.


The tradition went that when a man liked a woman he would openly display the short love stick by day so that the woman would become familiar with his stick pattern. Then at night, he would go to her thatch hut and push the carved stick through the wall to snag her hair. The woman could then feel the design of the stick, and if she recognized it as from a man she liked, she could tug on the stick signaling for him to come in. If she did not care for the man, she simply shoved the stick back through the wall.

Betel Nut - nothing like beechnut chewing gum

In Micronesia the Betel nut is a form of local chewing tobacco. It is a practice found throughout the FSM, but Pohnpei and Yap have it in abundance and is an important export for the local economies. The nut of the areca palm is split open and powdered with slaked lime (comes from coral), then wrapped up in the betel leaf. Sometimes a piece of cigarette is inserted in the wrap to enhance the effects. This little packet is commonly referred to as a quid or paan. 

The quid is then placed in the mouth and chewed. As a result of chewing betel nut, a person's saliva is turned deep red, and eventually stains the teeth. This staining is considered attractive is in these cultures.

Want to learn more about Chuuk? Check out my archived "Chat About Chuuk" blogs.

Like what you've read? Want to learn how to better enjoy your scuba diving vacation? Maybe you'd like to travel with Delightful Departures on an upcoming adventure? Become part of the Delightful Departures community. Discover different destinations and travel tips in our biweekly newsletter. In addition, you'll receive our FREE "Know Before You Go" guide just because. Join today.

Become a Scuba Travel Insider

LET'S GET ACQUAINTED. CONTACT ME TODAY FOR YOUR COMPLIMENTARY VACATION PLANNING SESSION.

Use my personal coupon code "delightfuldepartures" to save 10% on your purchase!