The term Micronesia refers to an area of the Pacific Ocean comprised of hundreds of small islands, distinct from Melanesia, Polynesia, the Philippines, and Indonesia.
Pohnpei (formerly Ponape) is one of the four states that make up the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), and island nation north of New Guinea. The states are Pohnpei, Chuuk, Kosrae, and Yap. Amusing to me is how when I lived in Hawaii, some locals I knew made fun of Micronesians for a variety of different reasons - but really, it was more of a cultural teasing rather than anything malicious. Many of the Pacific Islanders, regardless of which grouping, are known for their sense of humor and generosity of spirit. This is true in Hawaii (and other Polynesian islands), and it is certainly true in Micronesia. The few Micronesians I met during my stay in the islands lived up to their reputation of good-natured friendliness.
The word Pohnpei, literally translated, means "upon a stone altar." The Pohnpei island is "the largest, highest, most populated, and most developed single island in the FSM. The islanders of Pohnpei have a reputation as being the most welcoming of outsiders among residents of the island group, and the island contains a wealth of biodiversity." It is also one of the wettest, with annual rainfall exceeding 300 inches - with the only known area having more rain being Mt. Waiʻaleʻale (on Kauai, Hawaii).
On November 8, Pohnpei celebrates its Constitution Day. In 1947, the FSM became a US-administered Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (TTPI), which led to multinational colonization of the islands. In November 1986, though, the FSM signed a Compact of Free Association with the United States, which allowed for near independence as a sovereign nation (the near is in reference to US defense support). The signing of this Compact was an enormous historic mark for the FSM, and is today celebrated as a holiday.
Pohnpei’s Constitution Day is "remembered and reflected upon with pride and strength for Pohnpei and the FSM as a whole."
There is a book, Breadfruit bread and papaya pie: Recipes of Micronesia and the outer Pacific by Nancy Rody - very difficult to come by - that I would someday like to own. Having lived in Hawaii, I developed a liking for breadfruit - which is a nice starchy melon that blossoms from a flowering tree well-known in the Pacific Islands. I am presently searching for a decent breadfruit bread recipe, and should I find one, I will certainly share it here.
Sources:
A Global World, 2009. Pohnpei Constitution Day Celebrated in Micronesia
Wikepedia, 2009. Indonesia, Melanesia, Micronesia, Philippines, Pohnpei, and Polynesia.
