The captivating culture of Tahiti
Posted by Maris on 22nd Apr 2024
The captivating cultural tales of the Tahiti Islands can be experienced through dance performances, museums, marae excursions, and craft markets.
The striking topography of The Islands of Tahiti, which consists of old volcanic cones hidden by a blue water, will catch your attention right away. The remarkable natural beauty of the country has endured over the years due to the fact that most people have settled around the coastline strip and valleys of the main islands.
Since the first Polynesian immigrants arrived in Tahiti in the ninth century, the culture of the island has developed to incorporate numerous aspects of French culture. In 1842, the islands were placed under French dominion, and as of right now, Tahiti is a self-governing French overseas territory.
The Circle Island Tour, which circles Tahiti's main island, is a leisurely approach to get a taste of regular French Polynesian society. Point Venues, the site of Captain Bligh's first landing, Maraa Grotto Cave, the Paul Gauguin Museum, and the Museum of Tahiti and her Islands are among the must-see attractions.
Fun Segway excursions are also available in Papeete, which take you around important locations like the market, Notre Dame Cathedral, Queen Marau's home, General de Gaulle Monument, Paofai Temple, and the naval base.
Tahitian customs
A cultural excursion to the Opunohu Valley, a volcanic crater formed millions of years ago, where you may visit a complex of marae (open-air temples), is an insightful way to learn about Tahitian traditions. Built atop much older remnants, Ahu-o-Mahine is the largest marae, dating back to the 17th century. There, in the past, soldiers offered daily prayers for strength and good fortune. It has a serene, Mana-like aura now that it is encircled by woodland.
Tahitian culture is deeply rooted in the idea of mana. Compared to the Maori notion of authority and earned respect, it has a broader connotation. Mana also conjures up a living force in Tahiti that is both noble and terrifying, life-giving and destructive. Even the rare black pearls found only on these islands have a certain Mana since they give the people living in isolated atolls a necessary source of income.
One concrete indication that Tahitian customs are still practiced today is the resurgence of traditional tattooing. With tattoos, one can document life events, rites of passage, and family ancestry. Both young and old wear them with pride. If you'd prefer a one-of-a-kind skin-art memento to take home, Papeete is home to a number of reputable tattoo parlors.
The culture of Tahitian dance
For Tahitians, dance is a very important art form. Customary dances were created to honor a god, welcome friends, challenge an opponent, and win over a romantic partner. Each dance had a message and an intention.
However, missionaries who lived on the islands in the 1800s pushed out against traditional dancing because they thought it was excessively sensual and succeeded in getting it outlawed. This prohibition lasted until 1950. Thankfully, a covert dancing culture preserved the art form and allowed knowledge and talents to be passed down from one generation to the next. The culture of Tahitian dancing is thriving today. Every July, at Heiva, a national cultural competition, it is joyfully celebrated.
It is highly recommended that you attend a dance presentation during your vacation in The Islands of Tahiti, as the resurgence of Tahitian dance is quite amazing to witness. 'Dinner and show' nights are available at most of Tahiti's major resorts, and they showcase a number of Tahiti's top dancing artists.
Say it with flowers.
In The Islands of Tahiti, flowers abound in gardens, natural settings, and accentuate the attractiveness of the inhabitants. Every day, French Polynesians wear flowers in their hair or tucked behind their ears. A head garland is the ideal stylish accessory for special events. The most significant flower you will encounter in Tahiti is tiare, a gorgeously scented kind of gardenia.
Here are the guidelines if you want to wear a flower behind your ear when visiting The Islands of Tahiti: Wearing a flower behind your left ear indicates you are married, engaged, or otherwise taken, while wearing a flower behind your right ear indicates you are single and available.
Tahitian crafts
You will come across amazing examples of regional handiwork when you stroll around the marketplaces and artisan stores in Papeete, Bora Bora, or Moorea. Hats, purses, baskets, and mats are made from the weaved and plaited fibers of the screw pine tree and the coconut palm. Bespoke bed covers, or tifaifai, are fashioned by hand using applique and patchwork techniques. Spears, riddles, and bowls are carved from native tou and miro wood. The volcanic rock of the islands is also creatively interpreted.
Another treasure to search for in the area is black pearls, which are grown in the lagoons of isolated atolls. According to legend, Ora, the god of fertility and peace, descended to Earth on a rainbow to give a black pearl to the stunning Princess of Bora Bora. You would understand that she was really impressed.
The Vaima retail center, hotel stores, and the Papeete Market are great places to find beautiful items to bring home as souvenirs. You may also have the opportunity to purchase products directly from artisans in their studios if you travel outside of the city.