How did delayed exchange work at Micronesian marriages and funerals?

In traditional Micronesian culture, delayed exchange was a key feature of large feasts held to commemorate significant life-cycle transitions, particularly marriages and funerals.1

During these events, specific relatives were obligated to present food and goods to one another. This practice functioned as a form of delayed exchange, where these presentations served as a return for services that had been provided in the past or were anticipated in the future.1

These exchanges were deeply embedded in the social fabric, reinforcing relationships and mutual obligations within the community. While these events were times of celebration and transition, the underlying system of reciprocity ensured that kin groups maintained their social bonds through the ongoing cycle of giving and receiving.21