5 Precious Polynesian Traditions That The World Needs
Posted by Maris on 14th Aug 2023
The Polynesian islands are extremely unique. The place’s natural beauty is energizing, and the people’s culture is motivating and rejuvenating. I’ve been fortunate to spend much of my work in close contact with these excellent people, and they’ve positively impacted my life and vision.
The Polynesian islands have represented peace, harmony, and beauty to the rest of the world for hundreds of years. The fact that our culture has been able to maintain its kind, caring spirit through numerous tragedies and trials over the years demonstrates its inherent strength.
The rest of the world has been less fortunate. Western civilization can be divided, unpleasant, and self-centered. At the risk of encouraging cultural appropriation, I believe we can all learn a lot from the fundamental precepts of traditional Polynesian culture. Adopting them may allow us to refocus our efforts and provide the groundwork for a more sustainable future.
While attempting not to generalize a highly diverse culture, I’d want to highlight a few of the beliefs and customs that mean the most to me and are most applicable to current society.
This is where I’d like to begin:
1. Be Respectful of the Environment
Some people imagine the Polynesian Islands as a stereotypical tropical paradise brimming with natural riches. This, however, is not always the case. Many of the islands, while lovely, lack the natural riches that we as outsiders anticipate.
The people who live on these islands have learnt to survive off the land and work to keep it in good condition. While much of the world has treated its natural resources as disposable, the people of the Polynesian islands have learned to value the earth’s gifts, and they have been blessed to live in one of the most beautiful parts of the world as a result of their efforts to protect the environment. Grow from where you’ve been planted. Take care of the resources you’ve been given.
2. Create Art
Art is said to have spiritual power in Polynesian culture. Polynesians communicate their beliefs, interests, and spirituality via art.
Polynesians express themselves constructively in a way that promotes the beauty of their culture to others, whether through drawing, dance, carving, or any other type of art they practice.
We would do well to develop ways to generate art in our own civilizations. Not necessarily paintings or sculptures, but constructive ways of expressing ourselves that do not degrade others. We get more in tune with ourselves as we express ourselves via the creation of art, which benefits our relationships with the people we care about. Find fresh methods to add beauty to your surroundings.
3. Focus on Family
One thing that has continually impressed me during my visits to the Polynesian islands is how important family is to their culture. Everything appears to be a family affair; they collaborate and support one another.
This emphasis on family is the ideal way to assist individuals we care about in progressing and improving while also remembering and respecting our ancestry.We may not be able to live or work together, but we can model these ideals by spending time with our families and honoring one another. Individuals are strong and fulfilled when their families are strong, in my experience. Respect your relatives. Make them the focal point of your lives.
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4. Respect for the Past
We’re all from somewhere. We may learn from those who came before us and endeavor to leave a great legacy for the future if we keep our focus on our family.
We get closer to fully knowing ourselves when we comprehend how our lives fit into the larger context of family and cultural background. We begin to realize how large our family is. We start to notice the threads that connect us all.
Polynesians have learnt this lesson well, which is one reason their communities are so tight. This relationship allows them to develop a service mentality between each person and their neighbor.
5. Smiling and Serving
This close-knit society, founded on a shared past, develops a service-oriented mindset among communities. Status in traditional Polynesian society is determined not by how many belongings one possesses, but by how much one gives to others.
It has been a regional custom to always repay when a gift is presented. People have discovered that helping and giving to one another is the best way for a community to grow – they’ve developed a culture that is focused on helping and giving to one another.
This generous attitude pervades all aspects of Polynesian society. Everyone you pass will grin even if you’re just going down the street.
Outsiders frequently observe that Western/American society is chilly to one another. Consider how good a single smile and a service attitude can be for our society.
I’ve enjoyed the time I’ve spent in the Polynesian islands. Although each island has its unique culture, the common threads that run through them – family, service, and respect for the planet and the people around you – teach the rest of the world how to live.
Emulating and implementing these values in our families, businesses, and cultures can improve our lives and build our communities.