| This website is a work of fiction, part of the collaborative constructed world of Ill Bethisad. It is not intended to reflect reality or the creator's opinions on current issues. |
| Spnsored by the Tourism Advisorate, Council of Te Pito O Te Henua, in cooperation with the Commission for Offshore Preservation, Ecotopic Republic of Oregon. |
| Henua Culture |
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| Last updated 6 June 2008 by Ben Karnell |
| Values and Attitudes Everyone is proud of their culture, of course (the hardworking folk of the Helvetian Republic being one possible exception). The Henua have particular reason to boast. Sitting on the fringes of Polynesia, they have reaped the benefits and curses of isolation and come out the stronger. At the same time, Henua has been deeply connected with other cultures: Henua was the crucial link in the traditional trade chain that connected East Polynesia with the South American coast. Shaped by its isolation but well aware of the outside worlds to the east and the west, the early Tangata Henua had every reason to believe their land te Pito o te Henua, the Navel of the World. These outside worlds are called Hiva, a word simply meaning "lands that are not Henua." The Henua indeed have lots to be proud of. Besides living on the world's navel, they have created several unique art forms, invented their own system of writing, resisted foreign domination, and inspired other Pacific peoples to pursue the path to autonomy. Traditionally, the Henua were welcoming and hospitable toward the strange Tangata Hiva who sporadically visited the island: it was a rare opportunity to show off their culture and civilization to outsiders. Today, with the explosion in tourists, some Henua have grown more distrustful of foreigners as they arrive, sometimes breaking things, sometimes leaving garbage, always ignorant of Henua ways and customs. Others embrace Henua's new role as a global archaeological wonder and eco-resort-- and the foreign pounds, lo, and pesos that its new role brings. The Henua are known for being fun-loving and competitive. While other Polynesians met foreign explorers with fear or hostility during the era of first contacts, the Henua boarded their ships joyfully, eager for the excitement of unknown visitors. A Henua considers it a virtue to be able to make jokes during times of adversity or even tragedy. The Henua thrive on competition. All major festivals and events have a competitive element, culminating in the annual Birdman Competition, the only known athletic competition to have once selected a national leader. Looking at the antics that election season brings on Henua, many joke that little has changed since the Birdman days. Henua has a long tradition of literacy and scholarship; indeed, literacy is the basis for citizenship on the island. In 1990, the Education Advisorate realized its long dream of a university of higher education on the island, taught in Arero Henua and using texts in Rongorongo. The Hare Nui te Hangaroa operates as a branch of the University of Pape'ete, and it offers general education courses as well as courses in Henua anthropology and ecology. Religion The traditional faith is the state religion. It is based on communal civic rituals at the sacred beach of Anakena, the ceremonial village of Orongo, and ahu (shrines) belonging to each of the seven clans. Although participation in these rites is expected of all citizens, they are free to adhere to other religions. In fact, two of the clan leaders responsible for leading the rituals are Latin-Rite Roman Catholics. Roman Catholicism is the most common foreign religion on Henua, claiming approximately 3,500 adherents. Around 1,000 Henua practice Japanese Buddhism, while a number of people have recently converted to the Inka religion, spread by missionaries from the Realm of Tawantinsuyu. Media Henua remains a land free of television: the infrastructure involved would be too expensive, and widespread satellite TV remains in Ill Bethisad's future. There are two radio stations, both run by the same broadcaster. Ratio te Pito is aimed at older audiences, while Te Re'o (The Voice) is directed toward the youth. Both offer a variety of local, Oceanian, and international music; local and world news; and talk programs of interest to the target audiences. Movies have become a cottage industry on Henua. A studio in Hangaroa buys films, adds subtitles in Rongorongo, and sells them to local projectionists, who show them at venues ranging from small rooms and tents to large outdoor gatherings. The first subtitled movie was the second installment of the American series "Tau'a i te Rangi" (War in the Heavens), titled "Ho'ona Ma'eha" (Bright Revenge). Released in 1988, it was first shown in Hanga Piko in 1990. Since then, going to the movies to see films from countries around the world has become a popular pastime. Typically, Henua do not get to see movies for at least a year after the rest of the world. Henua has one newspaper, Te Vaka Ama (The Outrigger), named in reference to canoes as the old means of spreading news. Some reporters for TVA are also employees of the Polynesian United News Agency, and send news releases from Henua to the other Polynesian nations. Top Home |
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