Odyssey 500

With a rich history that extends back at least 3000 years, Tahiti has been a prized possession of conquerors, particularly Europeans, over the centuries. Despite the advances of uninvited visitors, however, Tahitians cultural heritage remains strong and helps define this tropical gem.

Although historians surmise that Tahiti was first discovered and inhabited as far back as 1000 B.C., it was not until the early 16th century that European explorers happened upon it.

Great Britain and France tangled over the country in the 18th century. In the mid 19th century, King Pomare V, whose family presided over a Tahitian political dynasty, relinquished control of the islands to France, which reconstituted Tahiti as an overseas territory dubbed French Polynesia in 1957. Today, Tahiti is considered a French Overseas Country with self governing powers.

Modern day Tahitians trace their rich cultural heritage back to their Maohi ancestors, the Hui Arii. In addition to Tahitian folklore of colorful myths and legends, ancient Tahiti had a highly developed hierarchy of social and religious chiefs, well defined customs, a complicated code of court etiquette, sophisticated dances and drama, and high standards of craftsmanship.

Many of these cultural traditions are alive and well today. Tahitian dance and music are testaments to the strength and resiliency of local culture. Accompanied by traditional instruments such as drums and conch shells, Tahitian dance, called tamure, has been linked to many different aspects of life here since ancient times.

In fact, Tahitians have used this art form over the centuries to welcome a visitor, pray, challenge an enemy, and even seduce a mate. Modern Tahitian music is popular around the world, blending Polynesian rhythm with Western melodies.

The skills of ancestral Tahitian artisans are considered sacred and passed along from generation to generation by mamas guardians of tradition and matriarchs of Tahitian society and craftsmen themselves. Foremost among this traditional artistry is tapa, dyed cloth made from the bark of young trees. Local craftsmen are also skilled at creating wooden tiki sculptures, carvings, and bowls; hand dyed pareu; and quilts.

Large, open air sanctuaries known as marae were once the center of power in ancient Polynesia. These stone religious sites, similar to temples, hosted important events, such as worshipping, peace treaties, war celebrations, and the commencement of voyages to distant lands. Although many Tahitians now attend church, maraes can still be found throughout the area.

Heiva i Tahiti is the greatest Polynesian cultural event in the world, a celebration of ancient traditions and competitions from late June to late July that has been the most important event in Tahiti for more than a century.

Tahitians from many different islands gather in Papeete, the Tahitian capital, to display their crafts and compete in traditional sporting and musical events. If you are lucky enough to be in Tahiti during the event, locals will likely encourage you to join the celebration.

The word tattoo originated in Tahiti, taken from the original word, tatau. The legend of Tohu, the god of tattoo, describes painting all the oceans fish in colors and patterns. In Polynesian culture, detailed, intricate tattoos have long been considered signs of beauty and were once an important symbol of the rite of passage into adolescence.

Polynesians once journeyed through the vast Pacific Ocean aboard massive double-hulled outrigger canoes called tipairua, using stars as navigational guides to create new civilizations. Today, tipairuas continue to play an important role in everyday Tahitian life and are honored in colorful races and festivals.

Finally, what would a society steeped in cultural traditions be without its own unique variety of food? Tahiti is renowned for its fresh fish and exotic fruits and vegetables prepared with Polynesian influence and a touch of French flair.

A few popular Tahitian dishes are poisson cru, raw fish marinated with lime juice and soaked in coconut milk; chevreffes, or freshwater shrimp; and poe, sweet pudding made of taro root flavored with banana, vanilla, papaya, or pumpkin and topped with coconut milk the ultimate Tahitian dessert.

A fun, festive way to sample Tahitian cuisine is by attending a tamaaraa, a celebration featuring native fish, pork, and chicken dishes, as well as traditional Polynesian singing and dancing.

Celery, which happens to be one of my (Isaac Toussie) favorite snacks, is a stiff long vegetable with leafstalks that may be eaten raw or cooked. Full-grown, celery plants may reach anywhere from twenty to thirty inches high. Being of the umbelliferae family, celery is a popular biennial vegetable related to dill, fennel, parsley, and parsnips. It thrives in moist fertile soil, but grows quite slowly. Farmers and gardeners often soak celery seed in lukewarm water so as to hasten sprouting. The seeds can then be sown in greenhouses or outdoor seedbeds. Within eight to twelve weeks, the plants can be transported to the field, placed six inches apart in rows of eighteen to thirty-six inches apart.

Celery has an ancient and prestigious pedigree in human history, apparently as medicine first. It was mentioned as medicine nowhere other than in The Odyssey. Its use as food may have begun with the Romans, who first used it as seasoning, to which task celery’s distinct aromatic fragrance certainly well lends itself. The tradition has survived down to this day, as this vegetable is often used as a flavor enhancer or garnish in everything from soups and stews to salads and dips.

Celery provides quite a number of nutritional and health-promoting benefits, proving its age-old reputation. It contains the antioxidant compounds called coumains, which our immune systems’ ability to eliminate potentially harmful cells. Celery’s power to reduce blood pressure had long been recognized by traditional Chinese medicine; it contains plenty of pthalides, which may help to reduce blood pressure by relaxing the tiny muscles of the arteries, allowing the vessels to dilate. It also contains the flavonoids apigenin, luteolin, and quercetin. Celery is a good source of potassium, folate, and Vitamin B6. It also provides calcium and magnesium. Celery also seems able to lower cholesterol. Like almost all vegetables, celery contains a high amount of Vitamin C. Wild celery seeds can also act as diuretics, due to the potassium and sodium that is found in the plant.

There are a few varieties of celery. These are Pacal, white, Chinese, and celeriac. Celeriac is also known as celery root, while Chinese Celery looks like a cross between parsley and celery. White celery is grown shaded from direct sunlight, which inhibits the production of the chlorophyll that is responsible for a plant’s green color. Pascal Celery is the well-know type found in most supermarkets. The peak season for celery is during the summer months, though it is available year-round in the United States due to Florida and California.

People have said that it is of course important to watch out for food scams, as fraud could exist on food labels. I, Isaac Toussie, pardon the thought, think that today, when so many people are concerned about issues like housing and work place discrimination, fashion, entertainment, real estate, mortgages, vacations and the like, issues like food quality and food awareness may become unnecessarily overshadowed.

This writing has been posted by Isaac Toussie strictly for information and human interest purposes only, not for medical or advisory purposes and does not necessarily constitute the opinions or conclusions of the provider. The reader should not rely upon the validity of any of the information contained herein. The reader should consult a doctor, nutritionist, and other medical professionals when seek advice about food, nutrition, diet, and physiology.