Patchwork Designs > HISTORICALLY SPEAKING TAHITI PATCH PROGRAM

HISTORICALLY SPEAKING TAHITI PATCH PROGRAM
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1. Tahiti is an island nation in the Pacific Ocean. It is part of a larger group of islands called French Polynesia, and is considered to be the center of political and cultural life of the set of islands. Tahiti makes up about 69% of the total population of the group of islands. Locate Tahiti on a map and its Capital. Identify it’s flag.

2. French is the only official language in Tahiti because in 1880 it was proclaimed a colony of France. It was not until 1946 that Tahitians were considered to be French citizens. The Tahitian language, known as Reo Tahiti, is widely spoken by most of the citizens. This language is closely associated with most of the other indigenous languages in French Polynesia. Choose a language to learn how to speak a phrase or some words.

3.Tahiti is known for its delicious tropical fruits and vegetables and fresh fish, all prepared with a French flare and a Polynesian twist. A popular dish known as poisson cru consists of fish marinated in lime juice and coconut milk, and another fresh fish dish known as Chevreffes, are freshwater shrimp found on the island. Another popular cuisine option in Tahiti are their fresh sauces that usually consist of vanilla bean or coconut milk. Try some foods from Tahiti or make your own recipe from traditional Tahiti recipes.

4.Tahiti is rooted in oral tradition and mythology that involved gods and ancient traditions that are still carried on today. In July, the country celebrates the Heiva Festival, which is a cultural celebration. The festival is full of music, dancing, food, games and even a long distance canoe race between the islands of French Polynesia. Visit a cultural celebration or re-creation of a holiday event OR learn the background of the celebrated holiday or festival. You may also create a drawing or art project, or prepare a food.

5.In Tahiti, a dance known as otea is world famous. Often it is confused with the Hawaiian Hula, but otea is a faster paced danced with a rapid hip-shaking motion accompanied by percussion instruments. The dancers stand is several rows and perform varying movements that mimin the daily movements of everyday life. The dance is accompanied by only music, and not singing. The costumes are extremely elaborate, consisting of grass skirts that emphasize the hip movements and occasionally head gear. Watch a dance or learn more information about a dance and try your own moves.

6.Tahitian legends are based in their polytheistic beliefs, meaning multiple gods. There are several gods in the Polynesian belief system. The stories of these gods were told through oral tradition, meaning they have been passed down through spoken language through the centuries. Read a story, legend, OR listen to a legend or play.

7.Tahiti is the largest island in French Polynesia. The island is 28 miles across at its widest point. Tahiti was formed from volcanic activity, it is very mountainous and is surrounded by coral reefs. Most people live on the coasts and the inner portions of the country remain almost uninhabitable. Complete a beach activity OR learn about [3] marine life animals OR Learn about Volcanoes.

8. Tahitians value their ancestors artistry to be sacred. Throughout the ages, the guardians of tradition have passed on the skilled workings of their ancestors. Handicrafts in Tahiti include: weaving, quilting, wooden statuary, drums, carvings and hand died fabrics. Create a craft or project using a traditional a skill OR representing Tahiti, OR observe someone creating a handicraft OR view them on the internet or books.

9. Traditional Tahitian dress is very similar to the other cultures of the southern pacific ocean. Tahitian women wear a wrap called a pareo and men wear a wrap called a Maro, which is like a simple loin cloth. Traditional clothing in Tahiti is very natural because most clothing items are made from natural items such as tree bark, cotton, or woven plants. Draw a picture of the clothing, dress up in a Tahitian themed costumes, create an accessory, complete our paper dolls OR view traditional clothing through books or the internet or our country manual.

10. There are a variety of games played by children in Tahiti. Learn a traditional game OR play a game that symbolizes Tahiti OR play a water game OR play a game in our manual.