Polynesia | The Open Book | Education Videos

Polynesia
The name Polynesia means a region of many islands. It comprises a group of Central pacific islands including Hawaii to New Zealand.
Many of their traditions were shared with the Melanesians and their involvement with the colonial powers and participation in the World War has brought about drastic changes in their lifestyle and traditions.
Here we take a look at some interesting facts about them.
They had a tradition in magic and sorcery and it is believed that magic was practiced by the priestly and upper classes. Sorcery of a lesser degree was practiced by the other classes.
The use of the supernatural powers named Mana was of two types one to bring calamity to the enemies and the other to suppress the normal working of the person concerned. It was so common that if anyone fell sick they would try to find out who had cast an evil spell on them and would return the compliment at an appropriate time.
A peculiar custom prevailed in these parts where a body part of a dead relative was hung to the person’s body to ward off evil.
Like many other races the Polynesians worked themselves up whenever an eclipse occurred screaming and beating drums. They were in a state of terror.
In some other parts the magic was more sophisticated only gifts were taken to appease the deity.
Polynesian languages have a great deal of folklore in them. They relate to the origin oh humans to their cultural practices.
Cultural heroes are an important part of the folk lore. Tattooing too has a mythological significance in Polynesian history.
Religious practices took a new turn after the coming of the Europeans to these islands.
Traditional Polynesian societies did not feature villages instead they had families in clusters where the religious social and cultural exchanges took place.
Many Polynesians had separate quarters for sleeping for the bachelors and also had special area for religious worship.
In societies in Tahiti inter class marriage was prohibited.
Polygamy was practiced in many societies.
Decorated dark bark cloth was the traditional clothing. They wore elaborate head dresses.
The food consisted of fish and horticulture products.
Western education had become prevalent in these societies.
Polynesia has a rich tradition of vocal and instrumental music. The influence of Christianity is felt with hymns etc being sung.
There is a traditional division of labour around the lines of gender. While the men fish construct and protect the families the women take care of horticultural activities. Gardening is common to both genders.
Arm wrestling is a popular male sport. Native warfare no longer exists.
Many parts of Polynesia are modern and use the latest gadgets.
They are good at woodcarving and art and craft.
As a result of colonization the native trait in most of these islands were lost and now they are ready for rights of self determination. #theopenbook #Education #Educationalvideos #Studyiq #learn #Cbse #icse #ssc #generalknowledge