5 Fun and Interesting Facts about Tahiti and its Islands

Tahiti is a dream come true for many people who are looking for a place where they can enjoy perfect weather, beaches, and solitude (if needed!). But how much do you know about this amazing little part of the world?

Check your knowledge and learn new fact right away, because bellow you are going to find five best, funniest and the most interesting facts about Tahiti and its islands!

Fact One
The Tahitian alphabet is made up only of 13 letters. That includes such as vowels a, e, i, o, u and the consonants f, h, m, n, p, r, t and v. Noticed something missing? Apart from such missing letter like y, w, x or z, there is also no letter b in the alphabet. And that is why the infamous Bora Bora Island is actually pronounced Pora Pora by locals. Translated from Tahitian, that directly means “first-born”, but apparently because of simply human mishearing, early visitors heard it as Bora Bora and therefore named it officially.

Fact Two
The word tattoo originated in French Polynesia apart from the fact, that tattoos are pretty widely spread among many different nations and cultures. Tattoos have long been considered signs of beauty in Polynesian culture, and in ancient times were also a sign, of a person reaching adolescence. It is also believed, that the very first people who came to Tahiti and discovered people walking all covered with such body paintings, developed the English word ‘tattoo’ which directly originates from the Tahitian word ‘tatau.'  In fact, here you can also try to get a traditional Tahitian tattoo as well since there are many local masters who will love helping you out!

Fact Three
The Tiare flower is considered being the national symbol of Tahiti. So, it is very loved and used in many different ways. For example, both men and women wear these flowers as an accessory: either as a necklace, crown or behind the ear. There are also some traditions or ways of communication as well. Therefore, if you wear this flower on your left ear, you are showcasing that you are taken, while if you put it in your right ear - you indicate that you are free for romance.

Fact Four
Tahiti receives fewer tourists in an entire year than Hawaii gets in one day. That means that this paradise on Earth is one of the most exclusive destinations in the world. However, that doesn’t mean that it is somehow pricier or harder to afford. 

Fact Five
While staying in many different Tahiti islands, you might get a chance to meet one of the friendliest men, women in the world and… the third sex. The latest – as locals call it mahuor rae rae – are men who behave and or just dress like women. However, they are not considered being some kind of outcasts. In fact, mahu were always considered as people who combined the best of both the male and female gender. It is also safe to say, that homophobia is uncommon in Tahiti and other islands. It indeed makes it a real paradise on Earth, where everyone can just relax and enjoy the sun!