Polynesian Islands – A Rich Diversity of Cultures

The Polynesian Islands hold a common history of people moving out and finding new places to live on islands far beyond the horizon line. The most pressing reason why these people moved outward is the growing populations on their originating islands. As the islands became populated, they often lost complete contact with the lands that they originally came from. Their descendants developed distinct cultures on each of the islands they inhabited. The result is a rich diversity of cultures that came from the same starting point. Nevertheless, how did they get so much diversity?

Some of the Polynesian Islands are low lying, while others have higher regions of mountains. That fact helped develop differences between the islands. The lower lying islands developed as peaceful and cooperative places with governing powers based on local clan leaders. Those with the higher elevations developed a more warring culture due to fierce competition for natural resources. Many of those that developed in the higher elevations came out with a strong ruler to keep the peace. These distinctions also continue when looking at the size of the population of the islands involved.

For the Polynesian Islands, the size of the population influenced how the culture developed. There are two distinct groups: the Eastern Polynesian and the Western Polynesian. Those that developed with higher populations include the islands of Tonga, Niue, and Samoa. These islands have strong traditions of marriage and family ingrained into the society. They also had well developed economies well before European intervention. The Eastern Polynesian developed on smaller islands and atolls with a limited population. They thrived in family groups and the entire community contributed to the good of all. The traditions were very different from their Western neighbors.

Despite this wide variety that developed, the Polynesian Islands hold a special place in world culture. Many of these people retain many of the customs and traditions of their ancestors. They work to integrate modern ideals with these to preserve a balance. This rich tapestry of people and culture make a visit to these islands a must on any travel buffs list. From the stone heads of Easter Island to the luau of Hawaiian Islands, a rich history backs up all the culture that visitors see today. From the rich family culture of Samoa to the rich mythology of the Maoris of New Zealand, the tapestry is deep and flavorful for those that want to partake.