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Moorea Local Customs

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Moorea Local Customs

Ti plant
by Helga67

Learn the local customs of Moorea. Tips and photos posted by real travelers and Moorea locals.

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Moorea Local Customs

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	Are you available or taken? Tip Rating:

By easyoar on December 28, 2004

Moorea Page by easyoar

Flower behind the ear...

by easyoar

Poolynesians love flowers, and both genders like wearing them. If you are visiting Polynesia, it is well worth being aware of the meaning of a flower tucked behind somebodies ear.

If you wear a flower behind your left ear, it means you are taken. If on the other hand you wear a flower behind your right ear, it means you are available to the opposite sex (or perhaps to the same sex, or perhaps to both sexes...).

However you can have the best of both worlds, by wearing a flower behind both ears. This means that you are taken, but that you are also available.

So depending on what sort of holiday you want to have, you may wish to stock up on flowers when you get there! They tend to wilt pretty quickly in the heat...

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	The Polynesians invented tattooing Tip Rating:

By easyoar on December 29, 2004

Moorea Page by easyoar

A Polynesian Tattoo

by easyoar

The Polynesians invented tattooing - the process of 'hammering' ink under the skin to leave pictures or artistic designs.

It is very common for Polynesians to have tattoos, and they do not have any stigma associated with them like they do in some places in the West.

If you want a Polynesian tattoo, it is very easy to get one done with several places such as the Tiki Village offering the service. At the Tiki Village you can see them using the age old process of how they used to tattoo with a hammer. The name tattoo comes from the sound the hammer made as it tapped the dyes into the skin - "ta-tu ta-tu ta-tu".

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	We were advised not to give gratuities Tip Rating:

By wadekorzan on January 12, 2004

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A smile goes a long way

by wadekorzan

We found it hard to believe, but we were told gratuities are not accepted in French Polynesia and that it is actually frowned upon. Additionally, we were told that a smile and a thank you is priceless and that the locals would be very appreciative if you would just do that. We simply kind of asked around at different places we went, but it seemed to be the general custom not to tip. You see in the photo my friend leo with a local woman, and she has a huge smile!!! We should all try to smile a little more each day...

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	The majority of people in Moorea are Protestant Tip Rating:

By wadekorzan on January 12, 2004

Moorea Page by wadekorzan

typical church

by wadekorzan

Driving arund you will see some very nice churches like the one in the picture, and it was surprising to learn that over half of the people on Moorea (and in Tahiti) are Protestant. This is a bit strange considering the French influnence that also encouraged the practice of the Catholic religion. Today only about 25% of the population is Catholic, whereby over 50% are Protestant.

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	Climate Tip Rating:

By Helga67 on July 9, 2004

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Sunset in Moorea

by Helga67

The average temperature is 26.5°C (79.9°F) and rarely goes above 32°C (89.6°F). The prevailing winds are the easterly trade winds. In Winter (June to September) the Maraamu is a cool wind which blows from the southeast. The rainy season extends variably from December to April (alternating sunny and rainy spells).

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	The magical Ti-plant Tip Rating:

Updated By Helga67 on July 12, 2004

Moorea Page by Helga67

Ti plant

by Helga67

This small tree is a sacred plant. Tahitians believe it possesses mystical and magical qualities that will protect the house from fire. Wherever you will see this plants around a house, you will know that there is a Tahitian family living in the house.

Even today, dancers, high priests and firewalkers still wear the green leaves of this tree for protection.

The ti is also used in traditional healing for diarrhea, vomiting, abscesses or ear infections.

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	Tattoos

Updated By Helga67 on July 12, 2004

Moorea Page by Helga67

Local tane

by Helga67

Enlarge the pic to see this handsome guy with all his tattoos.

Tattooing is a traditonal Tahitian form of art, that is still very popular. In former days, the tattoo was the identification of one's rank in society.

There are some tattoo shops on the island. Don't worry for your health, all of the tattooists are regularly controlled by the sanitary office.

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	Economy

By Helga67 on July 9, 2004

Moorea Page by Helga67

Pineapple

by Helga67

Moorea lives of its agriculture: coprah, pineapples, vanilla, citrus fruits, a little livestock farming, fishing and tourism

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	History

By Helga67 on June 28, 2004

Moorea Page by Helga67

Local children

by Helga67

Moorea was populated by navigators who arrived in large double outrigger canoes from Southeast Asia approximately 1000 years ago. The name MOOREA comes from a vision that a Great Priest had on a 'marae' of a beautiful yellow lizzard which is called Moorea in Tahitian.

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	Nono

Updated By Helga67 on June 27, 2004

Moorea Page by Helga67

Noni

by Helga67

Nono or Noni is very important in Moorea. The fruit of this tree is greenish and looks like a swollen potatoe. You can eat it but its taste is not really good. The Noni has medicinal and tonic properties. Many locals drink a little bit of the juice in the morning and the evening which keeps them healthy.

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