POLYNESIAN CULTURE Meaning and
Definition
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Polynesian culture refers to the diverse customs, traditions, beliefs, and practices of the indigenous peoples inhabiting the Polynesian islands in the Pacific Ocean. Spanning a vast region, Polynesia includes countries such as Hawaii, New Zealand, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, and Tahiti, among others.
Central to Polynesian culture is the concept of community and extended family. Social ties are highly valued, and collective decision-making, cooperation, and reciprocity play vital roles. Dance, music, and storytelling are important methods of preserving cultural heritage and knowledge, often showcasing legends, mythology, and history. Polynesians are known for their rich oral traditions.
The Polynesians are respected for their navigational skills, as they historically traversed vast distances using celestial navigation and expert boat-building techniques. This seafaring prowess allowed for significant cultural exchange and trade with other Pacific Islanders. The Polynesian voyagers are believed to have settled the islands they discovered, bringing with them their unique customs and practices that continue to shape Polynesian culture to this day.
Polynesians are also recognized for their craftsmanship, particularly in woodcarving, weaving, tattooing, and lei-making. Their artistic expressions are intertwined with spirituality, reflecting the connection between humans and the natural world. Symbolism and intricate patterns with deep cultural meanings can be found in Polynesian art and architecture.
Today, Polynesian culture faces challenges due to modernization, globalization, and the assimilation of Western practices. However, efforts are underway to preserve and revitalize traditional cultural practices, language, and customs, ensuring that the rich heritage of the Polynesian people endures for future generations.
Etymology of POLYNESIAN CULTURE
The term "Polynesian" refers to the culture, language, and people of the Polynesian islands, which are scattered across the central and southern Pacific Ocean.
The etymology of the term "Polynesian" comes from two Greek words: "poly", meaning many, and "nesos", meaning islands. It is a compound word that describes the geographical characteristics of the region, as the Polynesian islands are made up of numerous small islands spread across a vast area.
The term "Polynesia" was first used in the 18th century by French explorer Charles de Brosses in his book "Histoire des navigations aux terres australes" (History of Navigation to the Southern Lands). Since then, it has been widely adopted to describe the specific cultural and geographic area of the Pacific islands.
