Tahiti: The Marae Temple and sacred wedding ceremonies

Tahitian Maraes are open temples that were used for sacred ceremonies. First fruits and best catch of the day were taken to the Marae as offerings for the gods. The only weddings performed within a Marae would be for the daughter of the chief or other socially significant individuals. Chiefs from other districts were welcomed into the Marae

Wedding ceremonies in the Marae reflect lineage, fidelity and commitment. During the ceremony, the priest will ask the bride and the groom individually, “Eta” or “will you ever leave”? The answer from both the bride and groom will be an enthusiastic “ai eta” which translates to “I would never leave”.

The practice of wrapping the couple in tapa indicates unification. The plain white tapa used for weddings is unlike more common colorful and decorated Polynesian tapa cloth.

The Tahitian village wedding ceremony is performed daily in the village at 3:30 pm. Additionally, you will see it reflected in the evening presentation of Ha: Breath of Life. Though culturally accurate, these portrayals are merely a portion of the actual ceremony and celebration, which would have lasted days or even weeks.

There is much more to learn about maraes. Tahitian villagers will be happy to discuss other and uses and purposes of their sacred grounds.