3. Leap of Faith

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On a South Pacific Island called Pentecost Island, the people who may be the original inventors of bungee jumping reside. Although the process is not mandatory, those who decide to participate are often held in high esteem among their peers and are considered true warriors. After the construction of a makeshift platform that may be as tall as 90 feet, participants basically bungee jump off of the top, but instead of using a bungee cord, two vines are attached to the ankles. Although the ground is cleared of hazards like rocks and sticks beneath the platform, there is no safety net involved. Sometimes the vines hold and the jumpers suffer only from sore extremities for a few days while for others, the vines break and they impact the ground with a thud. Surprisingly, most jumpers are not seriously injured even when the vines give way. The purpose for this ritual is to ensure a good harvest of yams that year. The higher the jump, the better the harvest will be. At least that’s what they tell the guys who are doing the jumping.