Polynesians

The Polynesian Islands include over 1,000 islands.

Some of the most easily recognized:

Aetearoa-New Zealand HawaiiSamoaTonga FijiRapa Nui-Easter Island Tahiti

…and several others, all of which are focused in the Polynesian Triangle.

MIGRATION “ Polynesia is a anthropological term used to

refer to a pre-colonial population generally belonging to one ethno-cultural family as a result of maritime migration.” Wikipedia.com

LANGUAGEThere are approximately 40 Polynesian languages.

They are classified as part of the Austronesian family and broken into 2 branches:

Tongic and Nuclear Polynesian.

Most CommonTahitianSamoanTongan Maori

Hawaiian

RELIGION Pre Colonial Polynesians

TribalHad the same explanation for the creation of the earth and

sky, for the gods that rule aspects of life and for the religious practices of everyday life.

Tiki Statues

Healers & Chiefs

Hawaiians are very dependent on their natural

resources.

The ancient Hawaiians relied heavily on healers who had a mastery of the healing powers of

the regions plants.

Boki

High Chief in Ancient Hawaii who served the Kingdom of Hawaii as the royal governor of Oahu.

ARCHITECTURE

The most distinguishable of Polynesian architecture is the thatched roof huts.

SOCIAL CUSTOMSin Hawaii

The Lei

Luaua

Music Drums

DanceHula

The Lei

Lei is Hawaiian for garland or wreath.

The lei is often given as a sign of affection.

It is given as a greeting or farewell.

Lei should never be thrown away. They should be returned to the place they were gathered or returned to the earth respectfully.

Luau

The Luau is a celebration that always has 2 main

components:

FoodRoast Pig, Poi, Poke and of

course BEER!

EntertainmentDancing (Hula & Fire)

Music

Music

Bruddah Iz

UkelleSteel Guitar

Drums

Dance

Hula Dancing Fire Dancers

ATTIRE

Malo (Loin Cloth)

Kiehi (Shawl) Sarong

CUISINE

Poi Made from the fermented root of the taro plant.

Hawaiian Pig Roast

PokeA side dish of bite sized raw fish and seasonings.

Family Customsin Hawaii

OhanaFamily (an extended version)

This includes blood, adoptive or intentional.

1st & 21st Birthdays Very big events. Celebrated with a Luaua.