Bora Bora at a Glance
A Little History:
Ora Na (yorana) is hello. Mauruuru is thank you. French is also widely spoken.
Bora Bora was formed around four million years ago after volcanoes erupted from the sea bed. As the volcano sank back into the Pacific Ocean, a ring of coral reefs, or atolls, formed to mark the ancient coastline. The Bora Bora lagoon also formed between the reef and the island around this time. Today, Bora Bora is a mountainous island with three peaks, Mount Otemanu as the highest at 2,379 feet . Oddly enough, every day we were there, white clouds draped these natural landmarks taking on mysterious qualities that remind visitors of Bora Bora’s ancient mythical past.
It is thought that this island was actually first inhabited by people from the Tonga and Samoa and were settled around 1300 BC. Two European explorers both laid claim to the island a year apart in the 18th century, English navigator Samuel Wallis for Great Britain followed by the French navigator Louis Antoine de Bougainville. The French won out in the end. Protected by its warriors, the island resisted colonization until conquered by France in 1888. In 1946, Polynesia, including the Society Islands, became an overseas territory of France. By 1958, it became French Polynesia.
Ora Na (yorana) is hello. Mauruuru is thank you. French is also widely spoken.
Bora Bora was formed around four million years ago after volcanoes erupted from the sea bed. As the volcano sank back into the Pacific Ocean, a ring of coral reefs, or atolls, formed to mark the ancient coastline. The Bora Bora lagoon also formed between the reef and the island around this time. Today, Bora Bora is a mountainous island with three peaks, Mount Otemanu as the highest at 2,379 feet . Oddly enough, every day we were there, white clouds draped these natural landmarks taking on mysterious qualities that remind visitors of Bora Bora’s ancient mythical past.
It is thought that this island was actually first inhabited by people from the Tonga and Samoa and were settled around 1300 BC. Two European explorers both laid claim to the island a year apart in the 18th century, English navigator Samuel Wallis for Great Britain followed by the French navigator Louis Antoine de Bougainville. The French won out in the end. Protected by its warriors, the island resisted colonization until conquered by France in 1888. In 1946, Polynesia, including the Society Islands, became an overseas territory of France. By 1958, it became French Polynesia.
Interesting Facts:
Americans
first noticed Bora Bora during World War II. Because of its
geography, the American military used the island as a supply base in
response to the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941. Bora Bora is
half way between Los Angeles and Australia. The 5,000 GIs set up huge
naval guns to defend against a surprise attack by Japan (which never
occurred) and built the island’s first airfield on Motu Mute. This
airfield is still used today as the terminal for flights from Papette,
Tahiti. A boat trip takes you from the airstrip to Vaitape, Bora
Bora.
Several huge military cannons are still on the island. They are actually cannons used in WWI because the newer cannons were in short supply. After WWII, the Americans built roads and developed the water supply for the people.
Several huge military cannons are still on the island. They are actually cannons used in WWI because the newer cannons were in short supply. After WWII, the Americans built roads and developed the water supply for the people.
Owning land: One tradition that we thought was very interesting is that land is inherited from generation to generation. If you were not part of the family clan and wanted to purchase land, you had to get permission from all living generations. In the front yards of people’s homes, you will often see concrete graves of family members.
Cannibalism: There were often fierce battles fought between the warriors of Bora Bora and surrounding islands, especially Raiatea, one of the largest society islands. Prior to the 1800s, we were told by our tour guide that the natives would often kill and eat the warriors that invaded them from other islands. The thought was that by eating the enemy, they would gain strength and intelligence. Several open-air stone religious sites called marae are still present .
Tattoo: The word tatau originated in Tahiti. The legend of Tohu, the god of tattoo, describes painting all the ocean’s fish in colors and patterns. In the Polynesian culture, tattoos have long been considered signs of beauty and were an important part of the culture in signaling adolescence. My how times have changed!!
Cannibalism: There were often fierce battles fought between the warriors of Bora Bora and surrounding islands, especially Raiatea, one of the largest society islands. Prior to the 1800s, we were told by our tour guide that the natives would often kill and eat the warriors that invaded them from other islands. The thought was that by eating the enemy, they would gain strength and intelligence. Several open-air stone religious sites called marae are still present .
Tattoo: The word tatau originated in Tahiti. The legend of Tohu, the god of tattoo, describes painting all the ocean’s fish in colors and patterns. In the Polynesian culture, tattoos have long been considered signs of beauty and were an important part of the culture in signaling adolescence. My how times have changed!!
Dogs! Dogs! And more Dogs!
All Tahitian islands boast a fairly healthy dog population.As with most dogs of Polynesia, no matter what island they're on, they ALL SEEM TO HAVE THE SAME PARENTS! Basic browns, tans, or spotted of a thousand colors, most are classic mutts, a little mangy looking. Most of the dogs wander around carefree and owner-free among the homes and businesses. Most locals seem to regard them with a casual nonchalance- not unfriendly, but not particularly worried about their well being either. They will leave you alone if you leave them alone.