Marriage among Maohi was an agreement with few feelings of love, with no significant social and religious intercourse which was the main outcome. But this is not correct, we now know that elements were taken out of context. Regarding the promiscuous women, the husband "gave" his wife to his brother or his best friend. It also happened that when someone important was going on the island's husband offers his wife to the visitor. It was an honor.
However, it is true that the number of partners before marriage did not matter because young people were not subject to social and religious rules.
In the literature, one of the greatest explorers who told Polynesian traditions is Louis Antoine de Bougainville. In his travel diaries of 1768 he wrote: "Here is a sweet idleness of the women and the desire to please is their more serious occupation. Jealousy is a feeling unknown that if the husband is usually the first to urge his wife to deliver. A girl feels in this respect no embarrassment, just invite him to follow the dictates of his heart or his sense of law and public applause honor his behavior. It seems that the many lovers that passengers may have been prevented then to find a husband. "
The ceremony!
The bride and groom are arriving by water, on the beach. The guests are waiting with garlands of flowers, songs, dances of family members. The spouses are separated to be subject to their various preparations. The woman is massaged with Monoi oil, while her husband is tattooed with symbols and designs emblematic of the transition to his new life.
The party then ... the temple hosts the whole family and the couple for the ceremony. The costumes are part of the celebration, women sing continuously. The bride and groom, after vows, receive a second name in recognition of their union. Then waits for a meal throughout the hearing and ending at dawn …
The administration:
The Tahitian wedding is a traditional Polynesian wedding. For couples wanting a civil ceremony at City Hall, it is essential to reside for a month at least in Polynesia. The civil ceremony takes place at City Hall the same day two hours before the ceremony at the Tiki Village. Some documents (From birth, residence certificate, etc. ...), must be received in advance.
Then, a large procession is made, during which the couple is transported by four warriors on the royal chair.
Where the marriage takes place?
In an exotic Tahitian village... The wedding ceremony is conducted by the village chief and high priest, musicians and villagers. Beautiful necklaces and wreaths of flowers are offered to the couple.
A valuable certificate traditional wedding Tapa (bark of the breadfruit tree) is then assigned them, Mamas A choir sang throughout the ceremony while the Tahitian dance.
The costume...!!
- 1 more (skirt)
- 1 cap
- 1 titi coconut (bra coconut)
- 2 tassels wrist
- 1 shell necklace
Made from plant fibers (from the bark of purau), the more is embellished accessories and ornaments from the natural environment Polynesian (pearl, shells, etc..). Colors and decorations may vary from one model to another according to inspiration and creativity of the artisan.
What happen before and after the marriage?
Getting engaged is the most common method to establish contracts among the heads or upper classes of society. When agreement is reached, the betrothal is celebrated. The two families then planted a branch of ti (typical hedge) in front of their houses, making the sacred promise.
The morning of marriage, family and friends of the bride go with the groom. Depending on the distance, the procession will be by walk or by canoes, built specially for the event. Once arrived at destination, the parents of the bride give gifts of marriage.
The next day the couple went to the marae (place of worship and social life, it is a small square) for a religious ceremony. The blessing of the Gods was very important in Polynesian culture. At this time of the marriage, the bride and groom donned traditional costumes. It is generally held white light, with feather headdresses and necklaces of shells and flowers. The ceremony was punctuated with dances and traditional songs.
It is followed by a banquet which will gather around the two families and mutual friends. More the buffet is large and sumptuous, more the family will see better.
Most of the time, many extras in costumes, participate in the festival. Songs, dances and various percussion group are to go to the delight of revelers. The party ends around a banquet worthy of the name where you can taste some specialties aside for this moment of the life.
The finances...
Marriage is funded by the couple together and the 2 married parents involved in organizing the ceremony and take over part of its cost.
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