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134 The Unforgettable Moments in Life

Kemem

By Mella Chong-Gum

A kemem is a celebration of a child’s first birthday. This tradition is important for the

Pacific Islanders because it's their

way to show appreciation for

how God has blessed them.

Kemems usually take place in

churches, restaurants, houses,

parks, or venues. Parents would

take months to plan their kid’s

kemem. Once it is the month of

their kid's birthday they get everything ready for the big day. They invite members from both

sides of the family, friends, and people who just want to experience what it looks and feels like.

Reanna was 8 years old when she went to her first kemem. She had long, black hair, and

brown skin, and was small. She is a Marshallese girl who was born in America. Her siblings and

she were always excited to go to a kemem because they loved viewing the beautiful theme

decorations and atmosphere.

It was a sunny day when she went to their first kemem. The church was decorated

with guams, lavalava, yards, t-shirts, and Pacific Islander related objects. There was loud music

playing from inside once she pulled up close to the tall, big, white, and black doors. When her

parents and her siblings entered the building, she saw a lot of people inside. It was crowded like

a BTS concert.