Tuvalu

In Tuvalu, an island can begin with a basket of sand.

According to an old story, two women, Pai and Vau, arrived with baskets full of sand. They poured it into the sea, and where it fell, an island rose.

Later, the seafarer Tefolaha came from the south. They struck a deal over the island: whoever could guess the other’s name would have it. Tefolaha climbed a palm tree and tricked the women into calling out their names. They never managed to guess his.

Pai and Vau picked up their baskets and left. The islanders still call themselves the Children of Tefolaha.

As the women went, more sand spilled from their baskets. Where the grains fell, three small islets rose from the sea, where they still are.