Polynesian Myths and Legends About The Black Pearl

A Romantic Polynesian story about the Tahitian black pearl speaks of how the moon bathes the ocean with its light to attract the oysters. When they come to the ocean surface, the moon bestows heavenly dew upon each one of them. In time, the drop of heavenly dew is polished and shrouds itself in garments with blue, green, gold and pink shining in the colors of Tahitian pearls.

There are many myths and legends that attribute the black pearls with various powers from being a healer to cupid and even a gift of God. In ancient times, the Tahitian black pearl was a jewel worn only by royalty and hence came to be known as the "Pearl of Queens" and the "Queen of Pearls".

According to ancient Polynesian legends handed down:

Ancients believed that Tahitian pearls were the first cases of light, which were given by the Creator to Tane -- God of Harmony and Beauty. Tahitian pearls illuminated the vault of heaven with their light. Their form and brightness inspired Tane to create the stars. Tane then brought the pearls to Rua Hatu -- God of the Ocean in order for him to lighten his domain. Oro -- God of War and Peace, working for Tane, entrusted human women whom he coveted to conceive his descendants, with the first pearls, as tokens of love. With the achievement of his work complete, he gave "Te ufi" - pearl oysters to humans, in memory of his voyage on earth. Ever since, the pearl oyster "Te ufi'' -- Pinctada Margaritifera, has thrived in the lagoons of French Polynesia.

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