纪录片《南太平洋》 第16期 大洋小岛（16）（在线收听）

It's a tradition that tests the mettle of the most courageous men.

这个传统仪式用来考验最勇敢的男子气概

Having a head for heights is only the start.

爬上高处只是开始

Forest vines are tied around his ankles. They will be his lifeline.

他将树藤系在脚踝上。这也是他的救命绳索

For centuries, Pentecost men have been leaping head first

数世纪以来，这个岛上的男人一直保持着

from wooden scaffolds with only forest vines to break their fall

从高处跳下的传统

a tradition that inspired modern bungee jumping.

他们是蹦极运动的始祖

The jumps may look like acts of madness,

此举看似疯狂

but the festival's origins have a serious side.

却有着十分重要的意义

They celebrate the annual harvest of their staple crop.

他们在庆祝当年的丰收

And with up to nine cyclones pounding the South Pacific a year,

在南太平洋，每年有多达9次的飓风侵袭

a successful harvest is worth celebrating.

好收成是值得庆祝的