Right from the start, Dr Bartnik tempers Easter emotions. He explains that the island's name didn't come from a local love of Easter eggs, but from a European coincidence.
The island was named by Dutch navigator Jacob Roggeveen, who reached it on Easter Sunday, 5 April 1722. The expedition's journal described the land discovered at that time as Paasch-Eyland, or "Easter Island"
– says Dr Adam Bartnik.
Meanwhile, the locals themselves prefer the name Rapa Nui and (understandably) are not fond of the name given by Europeans. Local mythology also features the beautiful name Te Pito O Te Henua, or "Navel of the World." This sounds much more dignified than a geographical label applied for special occasions.
And where exactly is this whole "Navel of the World" located?
The island is located very, very far from everything.
Easter Island lies in the southeastern part of the Pacific Ocean – in the middle of a vast expanse of water, about 2,000 km from the nearest inhabited area, Pitcairn Island, and about 3,700 km from the coast of South America
– explains Dr Bartnik.
The question naturally arises: since the name is Easter-themed, will we find anything festive there? Perhaps moai processions? Easter eggs from the Pacific Ocean? A tropical hare?
There are no other references to Easter on the island other than the name. There is, however, a Christian mission in Hanga Roa that organises celebrations and processions during this holiday
– says the scientist.
There is, however, a certain egg theme, though one that's decidedly more extreme than our homely clattering of eggshells at the table. It's the tradition of capturing the first tern egg of the season. A candidate for the title of daredevil had to jump off a cliff, swim through choppy ocean waters to small rocky islands, retrieve the egg and return safely to shore.
The one who did it first was given the name Hangata-Manu, or Birdman, and for the next year he was the spiritual ruler of the Island
– says Dr Bartnik.
However, Rapa Nui's true claim to fame lies in its stone statue. Or rather, its many stone statues. Moai are among the most recognisable figures in the world, and the subject of a whole series of misunderstandings
The biggest? They're all heads, after all
In my opinion, the biggest myth is that moai are all heads. This myth is perpetuated by photographs. But that's not true – most moai are full-bodied; their torsos are simply buried under sediment accumulated over the centuries
– underlines Dr Bartnik.
The second myth? That they all gaze out to sea, sighing at the vastness of the waves like stone poets.
In fact, only one group of sculptures, at Ahu Akivi, faces the sea. All the others stand with their backs to the ocean. There were plazas in front of them – places where ceremonies, likely related to ancestor worship, were held. The statues themselves represent the most important, revered members of the Rapa Nui clans – rulers, priests and other figures of special social standing. These were not gods, mythical figures, or "aliens," but deified ancestors who were supposed to protect their clans and ensure their prosperity
– emphasises the scientist.
Indeed (unfortunately for the author of this text), aliens are out of the question, although it must be admitted that humanity has long had a peculiar tendency to attribute everything it doesn't understand to visitors from other planets. Huge stone statues? Aliens. Pyramids? Aliens. Socks disappearing after washing? Science probably doesn't offer an answer here. Meanwhile, the island itself is not a museum curiosity suspended outside of time. Quite the opposite – it is currently grappling with actual environmental problems.
According to current research, the island is experiencing an exceptionally severe and prolonged drought, lasting over a decade. Scientists attribute its causes to the strengthening and westward shift of the South Pacific Anticyclone, as well as a southward shift in the storm track
– adds the researcher.
And here the April Fools' Day tone subsides for a moment, because geography – even the most exotic – can remind us that the world is not a postcard, but a system of interconnected vessels.
Returning to good humour, however, one thing can be said – if anyone hears this April Fool's Day that Easter Island actually exists, don't roll your eyes. It's not a joke. It would be a joke to think we know everything about it just because we once saw a photo of a single stone head. So, this entire article isn't an April Fool's joke, but rather a fun fact worth sharing around the holiday table!
