Polynesian Legends (1/2)

Polynesian mythology cites Tahitian pearls as the first cases of light, which were given by the Creator to Tane, God of harmony and beauty. This latter illuminated the vault of heaven with their light, and their forms and brightness inspired him to create the stars. Tane then brought them to Rua Hatu, God of the ocean in order for him to lighten his domain. Oro, tutelary divinity of war and peace, working for Tane, entrusted human women who he coveted to conceive his descendants, with the first pearls, as love token. At the achievement of his work, he gave "Te ufi", pearl oyster, to humans in memory of his voyage on earth. Ever since, the pearl oyster "Te ufi, Pinctada margaritifera - cumingi specie", thrives in French Polynesia 's lagoons. In the Polynesian culture, the first two mythical pearls, which were given to a princess on earth by Oro, tutelary god of war and peace, were « Poe Rava », the extraordinary « Peacock » and « Poe Konini », the sculptural circled pearl.

Photo Source: "La Magie de la Perle Noire", P. Salomon and M. Roudnitska

Both of them testify the primitive origins of the Tahitian pearl.Poe Konini wears the solidified rings of Saturn.

It is also said that Okana and Uaro, the spirits of Coral and Sand, both adorned Te Ufi with a glistening cloak with the colors of all the fishes in the ocean. For thousands of years the glory of the heavens come to rest in the secret hollow of the iridescent mother-of-pearl, as a gift from the sky to the sea.

Romantic legend tells how the moon bathes the ocean in its light to attract the oysters to the surface so that it may impregnate them with heavenly dew. The drop of light, polished by time, holds the heavenly radiance within its heart and cloaks itself in a garment with blue, green, pink and golden reflections that shine and blend in harmony.

According to modern legend, Tahitian pearl come from a flaw in nature : a grain of sand entered on an oyster's delicate flesh; the mother-of-pearl covers up the intruder and forms the roundness of the pearl. Rocked by the waves, the pearl is unique and beautiful, like the loved one in the Song of Solomon.

The Tahitian pearl has become the symbol of Hope in men's wounded heart.