A cargo cult in Vanuatu has been waiting for an American named John Frum since the 1930s

The John Frum movement arose on the island of Tanna in Vanuatu no later than the late 1930s. Followers believe John Frum — often depicted as an American serviceman — will one day return bringing wealth and prosperity. In some versions, a native man named Manehivi appeared dressed in a Western-style coat using the alias "John Frum," promising houses, clothes, food, and transport. Others say John Frum was a spirit vision induced by kava.

In 1941, followers "rid themselves of their money in a frenzy of spending, left the missionary churches, schools, villages and plantations, and moved inland to participate in traditional feasts, dances and rituals." Colonial authorities arrested and exiled movement leaders, but the cult only grew after 50,000 American troops arrived during World War II, bringing enormous quantities of supplies. After the war, followers built symbolic landing strips to lure American cargo planes back.

In 1957, leaders created the "Tanna Army" — a non-violent faux military that marches with bamboo guns and carved bayonets, wearing singlets lettered "T-A USA." When David Attenborough visited in 1959 and asked a follower why he was still waiting after 19 years with no cargo, the man replied: "If you can wait two thousand years for Jesus Christ to come an' 'e no come, then I can wait more than nineteen years for John."