FAQ About The Cultural Significance of Tattooing in Polynesian Societies
How did tattooing originate in Polynesian cultures?
The practice of tattooing in Polynesian cultures has ancient roots, believed to have originated over 2,000 years ago. It is thought that the word "tattoo" itself derives from the Polynesian word "tatau," which means to strike. Tattooing began as a sacred ritual, symbolic of bravery and endurance, as the process was extremely painful. The origins are deeply tied to mythology and the oral histories of Polynesian peoples, often associated with divine creation and teachings from the gods.
