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French Polynesia Lifestyle and Culture

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French Polynesia, though being French territory, has pretty much kept some of its Polynesian or Tahitian religions, culture, and traditions intact over the years. The cultures have to some extent radically altered by French colonialism.

General etiquette

Shoes should be removed before entering someone’s home in French Polynesia. When greeting each other in French Polynesia, people use handshakes or a kiss on the cheek. It is considered rude to get into the room, and not greet everyone except for large crowds. Just like in most cultures, young people should respect the elders. People should dress modestly.

Religion

Christianity is the major religion in French Polynesia. There are various Christian groups including Protestants, Catholics, Latter-day Saints, to mention but a few.

According to the Association of Religion Data Archives, as of 2015, 38.8% of the population were Catholics, 36.9% Protestants, 13.8% other Christian groups including the latter-day saints, and Pentecostals, 1.1% were other religions including traditional Polynesian religions, 5.1% professed to be non-religious, and about 4.3% were unknown.

Food and cuisine- French Polynesia offers some of the best tropical cuisines, with traditional Polynesian recipes passed downed over generations, Asian, and western cuisines, and a blend of both. Some of the dishes and cuisines include:

  • Poisson cru/ Raw Fish with coconut milk- this is a famous dish prepared with tuna or bonito fish that is cut or sliced into cubes, and then marinated in lemon juice, and mixed with diced tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, garlic, spring onions, and spring onions. It is then mixed with coconut milk. Other variations include crabs, eels, lobsters, squid, prawns, and octopus, to mention but a few.
  • Chevrettes- these are locally farmed freshwater shrimps, served in curry and found in most restaurants. They are cooked with coconut milk and vanilla.
  • Poulet fafa- this is chicken with taro leaves, also cooked in the ahima. Ingredients include chicken, taro leaves or spinach, onions, garlic, and spices which are cooked with coconut milk.
  • Poe- this is a sweet, and creamy pudding made from taro that is flavored with banana, vanilla, papaya, or pumpkin which is topped up with coconut milk.
  • Kato- these are tasty biscuits made with coconut milk.

Music

Music and dance in French Polynesia have played a significant role in the day-to-day life of French Polynesians. Choral Christian is quite popular in French Polynesia, called himene tarava.

The choral music is a combination of church-inspired hymns and Polynesian harmonies. The dance type includes the Ori Tahiti. Music instruments include the ukulele, a small 4 stringed guitar, the To’ere, and Pahu to mention but a few.

Sport

Football is the most popular sport in French Polynesia. Football on the island of Tahiti is run by the Federation Tahitienne de Football. Tahiti has competed independently at the grandest stage, the Fifa World Cup in 2010 but did not go beyond the group stages.

Va'a is a traditional Polynesian sport Va’a is practiced in all the islands. French Polynesia hosts the Hawaiki Nui Va’a which is an international competition between Tahiti, Huahine, and Bora Bora. French Polynesia is famous for some of the best Surfingwaves.

Teahupo'o is, regularly ranked as one of the best in the world. It plays host to the annual Billabong Pro Tahiti surf competition, the 7th stop of the World Championship Tour. Kitesurfing is also another popular sport in French Polynesia.

There are many places to practice kitesurfing in French Polynesia including in Tahiti, Moorea, Bora-Bora, Maupiti, and Raivavae. French Polynesia is internationally known for its diving sites. Rugby is popular in French Polynesia as well.

 

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