Aloha!

Plop!

You've just landed on ancient Polynesian shores. Hear that? It's the sound of trade winds carrying the spray of the ocean through the canopies of the coconut trees. But what's that boom-da-boom-BOOM coming from the distance? It seems you've arrived just in time to commemorate a birth in the royal family!

Although you may never find yourself in this situation, it never hurts to be prepared. This week, I called and interviewed Raymond Mariteragi, the Tahitian Cultural Specialist for the Polynesian Cultural Center, so I would know just what to expect, just in case.

"In the past basically they just played drums, and sang songs," Mr. Mariteragi told me. "Of course, there was dancing and food, too!" he added. Polynesian dances tell stories, legends of the god Ta'aroa (the creator) and of the hero Tafa'i. The various dances are named after the characters they portray. They often portray battles, conquests, and expeditions by famous chiefs. Materagi also told me that although dances and legends may have different names across the many island nations in the Pacific, "when you hear the story, you know it's the same character, just with a different name."  Of course, the history of the islands is a history of conquest, so it's no surprise to find familiar traces of myth and legend from group to group.

(Although this clip is for a recent production, it demonstrates a lot of traditional elements of Polynesian dance and storytelling)

The oral tradition played a major role in the dissemination of Polynesian lore. In Tonga, oratory was considered THE high art. "In all Tongan history, you won’t find anything written down. You’ll find it in chants, in stories, in songs," Mariteragi assured me. Such chants and recitations would be accompanied by dancing and by beating hand drums and drums covered with shark skin or cow hide. Special occasions included weddings, deaths, burials, newborns of the royal family, victories at war and more.

Mariteragi also informed me that there wasn't necessarily a bard class or other specialists in passing on the stories and songs of the people of the Pacific. I can only imagine the frequent repetition required to pass each story on to the next generation, not to mention the hours and hours required to teach each traditional dance! There were songs for nearly every occasion: whether at a formal gathering of the village or in the home, music played a big part in every aspect of these people's lives.

In Tahiti, the dramatic elements of storytelling were emphasized (more so than in the other island nations). There were even professional troupes of all male or mixed male and female actors. Through the medium of drama, actors were free to share historical events-- they could also ridicule and even criticize their peers and superiors. Often, their productions were original and dealt with contemporary events and figures; however, there was also a rich tradition of material that had been transmitted orally from generation to generation.

The variety and beauty of Polynesian dances, music, and dramas has made a big splash on our global culture today. From witnessing the haka at a sports match, to making your way to L&L Hawaiian barbecue for some chicken katsu, you are bound to run into effects of this culture that has been so well-preserved despite their lack of any written tradition. Just don't be afraid to dive in and try everything!