Polynesian concepts in the western world

At the turn of the 20th century, ethnologists and religious scholars discovered interesting concepts among various peoples in Oceania and Polynesia. These peoples had special concepts such as Mana and Tapuwhich are closely linked to their understanding of religion and everyday life.

What is mana?

Mana is a concept that is often translated as "power" or "force". It is an invisible but tangible energy that can be contained in people, animals, plants, objects or places. If you imagine that someone has special abilities or a special charisma, then you could say that this person possesses "mana". For example, there are people who stand out because of their skills as craftsmen or healers - they are carriers of mana.

Interestingly, the concept of mana has found its way into the world of video games. If you're a gamer, you've probably used mana in a game before. In many role-playing games (RPGs) and fantasy games, mana is portrayed as a type of magical energy that characters can use for spells and special abilities.

In games such as "World of Warcraft" or "Final Fantasy", for example, characters use mana to cast powerful spells. Sometimes you have to find mana potions or visit special places to replenish your mana. However, the basic principle remains the same: Mana is a valuable resource that enables special abilities.

What is Tapu?

Tapu, also known as "taboo", is the counterpart to mana. It describes things that are special or sacred and therefore require special respect. If something is "tapu", it must not be touched or entered by anyone. Think of how you would behave in a church or other sacred place - you are respectful and careful. This is the influence of tapu.

The role of Tapu in society

Tapu plays a central role in the social fabric of Maori society. It regulates behavior and ensures that respect and order are maintained. Here are some examples of how tapu is used in different areas:

• Sacred places and objectsCertain places such as marae (meeting places), urupā (cemeteries) and mountains can be considered tapu. Objects such as traditional weapons, tools or clothing worn by ancestors can also be considered sacred.
• People and social rolesIndividuals can also be tapu, especially chieftains (rangatira) or people with special mana. These people enjoy special respect and special rules apply when dealing with them.
• Ritual and spiritual practicesCertain rituals and ceremonies are tapu and require specific behaviors and preparations. These include funerals, baptisms and other important life events.

A practical example would be Te Rerenga Wairua, also known as Cape Reinga, which you can see in the cover picture above. It is the most north-westerly point of the North Island of New Zealand and a place of great spiritual significance for the Maori. According to Maori belief, this is the place where the souls of the deceased begin their journey into the spiritual world. It is believed that the wairua (souls) leave the land here and return to Hawaiki, the mythical home of the Maori.

It is forbidden to eat in this sacred place, as this is considered disrespectful to the souls of the deceased who embark on their journey. A tapu then. The ban on eating is part of the broader practice of tapu, which ensures respect and mindfulness at sacred sites. Visitors to Te Rerenga Wairua are asked to respect this tradition by refraining from eating and behaving appropriately.

Tapu and the protection of the community and the environment

Tapu thus also serves to protect the community and the natural environment. By declaring certain places or resources as tapu, overuse and misuse can be prevented. This promotes sustainability and the preservation of sacred and ecologically important areas.

One example is the protection of fishing grounds or forests by pronouncing tapu to enable the regeneration of resources. These traditional practices reflect a deep understanding of ecological balance and respect for nature.

The interaction of mana and tapu

Imagine that mana and tapu are two sides of the same coin. Mana is the special power or ability that distinguishes someone or something. Tapu is the "enclosure" that protects this special status. Through tapu, the bearers of mana and their abilities are respected and protected from the mundane. It helps to draw a clear line between the sacred and the profane, i.e. the everyday.

Significance for religious studies

For many researchers, these concepts are key to understanding how religion and everyday life develop in different cultures. They show that there are universal concepts that appear in different forms in many societies. So the next time you think about religion or spiritual concepts, remember mana and tapu - they are fascinating examples of how people experience and protect the extraordinary and sacred.

These concepts offer fascinating insights into the way of thinking and life of the people of Oceania and Polynesia and show that respect for the extraordinary and the sacred is deeply rooted in human culture - whether in the real world or in the virtual world of video games.