The History And Traditions Of Tahiti

With a rich history that extends back at leastThese stone religious sites, similar to temples,
3000 years, Tahiti has been a prized possessionhosted important events, such as worshipping,
of conquerors, particularly Europeans, over thepeace treaties, war celebrations, and the
centuries. Despite the advances of uninvitedcommencement of voyages to distant lands.
visitors, however, Tahitians cultural heritageAlthough many Tahitians now attend church,
remains strong and helps define this tropical gem.maraes can still be found throughout the area.
Although historians surmise that Tahiti was firstHeiva i Tahiti is the greatest Polynesian cultural
discovered and inhabited as far back as 1000 B.C.,event in the world, a celebration of ancient
it was not until the early 16th century thattraditions and competitions from late June to late
European explorers happened upon it.July that has been the most important event in
Great Britain and France tangled over the countryTahiti for more than a century.
in the 18th century. In the mid 19th century, KingTahitians from many different islands gather in
Pomare V, whose family presided over a TahitianPapeete, the Tahitian capital, to display their crafts
political dynasty, relinquished control of the islandsand compete in traditional sporting and musical
to France, which reconstituted Tahiti as anevents. If you are lucky enough to be in Tahiti
overseas territory dubbed French Polynesia induring the event, locals will likely encourage you to
1957. Today, Tahiti is considered a Frenchjoin the celebration.
Overseas Country with self governing powers.The word tattoo originated in Tahiti, taken from
Modern day Tahitians trace their rich culturalthe original word, tatau. The legend of Tohu, the
heritage back to their Maohi ancestors, the Huigod of tattoo, describes painting all the oceans
Arii. In addition to Tahitian folklore of colorfulfish in colors and patterns. In Polynesian culture,
myths and legends, ancient Tahiti had a highlydetailed, intricate tattoos have long been
developed hierarchy of social and religious chiefs,considered signs of beauty and were once an
well defined customs, a complicated code of courtimportant symbol of the rite of passage into
etiquette, sophisticated dances and drama, andadolescence.
high standards of craftsmanship.Polynesians once journeyed through the vast
Many of these cultural traditions are alive and wellPacific Ocean aboard massive double-hulled
today. Tahitian dance and music are testamentsoutrigger canoes called tipairua, using stars as
to the strength and resiliency of local culture.navigational guides to create new civilizations.
Accompanied by traditional instruments such asToday, tipairuas continue to play an important role
drums and conch shells, Tahitian dance, calledin everyday Tahitian life and are honored in
tamure, has been linked to many differentcolorful races and festivals.
aspects of life here since ancient times.Finally, what would a society steeped in cultural
In fact, Tahitians have used this art form overtraditions be without its own unique variety of
the centuries to welcome a visitor, pray, challengefood? Tahiti is renowned for its fresh fish and
an enemy, and even seduce a mate. Modernexotic fruits and vegetables prepared with
Tahitian music is popular around the world,Polynesian influence and a touch of French flair.
blending Polynesian rhythm with Western melodies.A few popular Tahitian dishes are poisson cru,
The skills of ancestral Tahitian artisans areraw fish marinated with lime juice and soaked in
considered sacred and passed along fromcoconut milk; chevreffes, or freshwater shrimp;
generation to generation by mamas guardians ofand poe, sweet pudding made of taro root
tradition and matriarchs of Tahitian society andflavored with banana, vanilla, papaya, or pumpkin
craftsmen themselves. Foremost among thisand topped with coconut milk the ultimate Tahitian
traditional artistry is tapa, dyed cloth made fromdessert.
the bark of young trees. Local craftsmen are alsoA fun, festive way to sample Tahitian cuisine is
skilled at creating wooden tiki sculptures, carvings,by attending a tamaaraa, a celebration featuring
and bowls; hand dyed pareu; and quilts.native fish, pork, and chicken dishes, as well as
Large, open air sanctuaries known as marae weretraditional Polynesian singing and dancing.
once the center of power in ancient Polynesia.