What does Moorea mean in Tahitian?
lizard
Moorea means lizard (Mo’o) and yellow (rea). A legend tells the story of the origin of the name of the splendid sister island of Tahiti… The yellow lizard legend…
Is Moorea an atoll?
oʊreɪ/; Tahitian: /moʔore(ʔ)a/), also spelled Moorea, is a volcanic island in French Polynesia. It is one of the Windward Islands, a group that is part of the Society Islands, 17 kilometres (11 mi) northwest of Tahiti….Mo’orea.
Geography | |
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Highest point | Mont Tohive’a |
Administration | |
France | |
Overseas collectivity | French Polynesia |
Is Tahiti a country?
The islands were first settled by migrating Polynesians as early as 500BC. They were later discovered by European explorers during the 16th century and eventually colonized by France. Now officially known as French Polynesia, Tahiti is an autonomous overseas country of the French Republic.
What does Mahana mean in Tahitian?
Mahana. Girls. This Tahitian name for girls means literally : “sun”.
Is Tahiti and Moorea the same?
In fact the tiny atoll of Moorea is often referred to as the little sister of neighboring Tahiti. So where are they? You’ll find them both in French Polynesia in the South Pacific. Tahiti and Moorea are roughly around 4,400km south of Hawaii, 7,900km from Chile and 5,700km from Australia.
Is Bora-Bora close to Moorea?
But, don’t discredit the lesser known tropical paradise of Moorea, only a short 45-minute flight away from Bora Bora. Moorea also has incredible resorts with overwater bungalows that would make anyone looking for a relaxing, tropical vacation jump for joy.
Is there a volcano in Moorea?
Moorea, the NW-most of the Society Islands with Pleistocene volcanism, is a dissected shield volcano whose caldera is open to the north and surrounded by sharp-topped peaks. Potassium-Argon dates for the island range from 1.64-1.49 million years ago (Duncan and Mcdougall 1976).
What country owns Tahiti?
French Polynesia is a sprawling possession of France in the Pacific Ocean, made up of 118 volcanic and coral islands and atolls, including Tahiti. For France this huge stretch of the Pacific – as big as Western Europe – remains strategically valuable.
What does Tiki mean in Polynesia?
Tiki (ti’i in Tahitian, ki’i in Hawaiian) is a the word used in Polynesia to indicate a figure, an image. It is represented by a human figure with marked traits: big eyes, nose, ears and mouth. Many stories about Tiki exist throughout Polynesia.
Who is Tiki?
Many stories about Tiki exist throughout Polynesia. According to some Maori legends Tiki was the first man created by the god Tane (Kane in Hawaii), while other legends refer to Tiki as a demigod who created the first man.
What is a tiki sculpture?
A Tiki is a sculpture endowed with an important spiritual and symbolic force, originating from the Marquesas Islands and usually representing a modified man. The Tiki is a real emblem of French Polynesia and holds a significant position in the local culture.
Are Tikis similar to Polynesian dances?
There is in a way a certain similarity between the Tikis and the poses of the Polynesian war dances. Although the Tikis were traditionally found near the marae (sacred places built in the open and paved with stones), during your stay in our islands, you can find them in different places.