http://www.theherbalexplorer.com/042002/vanuatu.htm"My friend have you heard," the Lorikeet said to the Flying Fox. "A big feast is to be held in the village with lots of food and dancing. You can come with me as my guest. Everyone knows me - I'm a famous dancer."
"That sounds good," the Flying Fox replied. "I've never been to a feast or dancing before."
"We must prepare for the occasion by decorating ourselves," squawked the Lorikeet. "You must decorate me first."
The Flying Fox swooped into the forest and collected many colorful items. He then took what he found and covered the Lorikeet's body with bits of red, yellow, green and blue.
From a reflecting pool, the Lorikeet marveled at the Flying Fox's handiwork.
"Look how beautiful I am. Thank you my friend, now its mine turn to decorate you."
The Lorikeet flew into the forest and gathered items for the Flying Fox. However instead of finding colorful things he chose scraps of black and a little white to put on his friend.
"Now you look much better," the Lorikeet said in a prideful manner. "Go look at yourself."
The Flying Fox went to the pool of water. What he saw made him cry in disbelief.
"What have you done to me," he sobbed? "Why have you painted me all black except for this white strip around my neck? I can't go to the feast looking like this. You have ruined me for life."
At that, the Flying Fox took off to hide in the forest. To this day, he continues to hide in shame, only revealing himself under the cover of darkness to find food.