Tapu
* Meaning: Sacred, forbidden, set apart, or consecrated.
* Concept: Tapu is a powerful concept in Polynesian cultures, signifying a spiritual force that makes something sacred, powerful, and off-limits to ordinary people. It can apply to people, places, objects, animals, and even actions.
* Examples:
* A temple or shrine is tapu, meaning it is forbidden to enter without permission or proper ritual.
* Certain foods or animals might be tapu for specific groups or during specific times.
* A woman giving birth or a person mourning a death might be considered tapu, requiring them to follow specific rules and avoid certain activities.
Mana
* Meaning: Life force, spiritual power, supernatural potency, or prestige.
* Concept: Mana is a vital force that resides in all things, from people and animals to objects and places. It can be inherited, earned through achievement, or bestowed by gods. Those with high mana are considered powerful and influential.
* Examples:
* A powerful chief or warrior might be said to have a lot of mana.
* A sacred object, like a talisman or an ancestral bone, would be imbued with mana.
* A place of great natural beauty, like a mountain peak or a waterfall, might be considered to have powerful mana.
Connection between Tapu and Mana
Tapu and mana are interconnected. Something with high mana is often considered tapu, requiring respect and reverence.
Important to note: These concepts are complex and vary across different Polynesian cultures. It's essential to approach them with sensitivity and respect.