Tahiti Culture - Rich and Vibrant Multiethnic Culture

Culture in Tahiti

Tahiti has a rich and vibrant multiethnic culture, with some of the friendliest people in the South Pacific. The population of Tahiti is made up of mainly Polynesians, with Europeans and Chinese comprising around 12% and 5 % of the general populace respectively. While not much is known about the exact history of this gorgeous French Polynesian island, what is known is that Tahiti was formed roughly 3 million years ago by a series of volcanic eruptions.

Historians believe that the other smaller islands of French Polynesia such as Raiatea and the Marquesas were initially settled on by Polynesians from Tonga and Samoa in 300 AD. Till now, no historical documents or logs have been found to help prove when Tahiti was first inhabited. It is thought that people from Raiatea migrated to Tahiti and its surrounding islands around 800 AD, 500 years after they settled in this region. The first European to discover Tahiti was an Englishman by the name of Captain Samuel Wallis in 1767.

A warm and friendly people, you can see the rich culture of Tahiti in its music, dance, handicrafts and traditional festivals. Influenced by their Maohi ancestors, Tahitians today take a great deal of pride in maintaining their ancient heritage especially through the passing down of legends and gods. Visit a traditional marae, which is similar to a temple to see how Tahitians of ancient times would worship, celebrate and commemorate important times in their lives.

Culture in Tahiti - Music and Dance

Music and dance both play a very significant role in the lives of Tahitians. Preformed since ancient times most of the dances tell legends and stories of the past. Dance is an important part of Tahitian culture and is a way of expressing joy, happiness, greetings, war, peace, prayer and seduction. Tahitian music uses a lot of percussion style instruments like drums, shells and flutes. Thoroughly enjoyable, the music is hypnotic and is often accompanied with graceful and nimble dance movements.

Culture in Tahiti- Handicrafts

Throughout French Polynesia and in Tahiti as well, the sculpture and wood carving are superb. Tikis, bowls, pestles and mortars and spears are usually carved by hand from wood and stone with beautiful and intricate designs. Basket and hat weaving is also a popular handicrafts here, as are the making of colorful blankets known as tifaifai, fragrant oils known as monoi, tapas and hand made pareus or sarongs.

Culture in Tahiti - Tattoos

Tattoos are a vital part of a Tahitians life with both men and women, the young and the old, having numerous tattoos adorning their bodies. In fact the word tattoo has its origins in Tahiti. In Tahitian culture tattoos symbolize community, social status, beauty and bravery, while warriors tattooed themselves to terrify their enemies. Still practiced today, when you visit Tahiti you will find many Polynesians men and women sporting intricate and magnificent tattoos all over their bodies.