#native polynesian experiences

[sohannabarberaesque]

Picture thou Peter Potamus and maybe a couple of choicest Polynesian wahine types drinking in a luscious-looking sunset such as this somewhere within Polynesia Uncharted, all the while unashamed of their nakedness.

#hanna barbera #memes #polynesia uncharted #polynesian sunset #polynesian fantasies #peter potamus #native polynesian experiences #naked and unafraid #hannabarberaforever

[adastra-sf]

The Maoi of Rapa Nui

Moai chieftain statues are the famous massive megaliths of Rapa Nui (aka Easter Island) in eastern Polynesia, carved about 1250-1650 CE by the original Polynesian colonizers of the island.

Many know them as "Easter Island heads," a misconception from having seen photos of statues in the volcano Rano Raraku partitially covered with soil. They all have full bodies with over-large heads - a 3:5 ratio between head and trunk, a sculptural trait consistent with the Polynesian belief in the sanctity of the chiefly head.

The island holds nearly 1000 statues, each weighing as much as 90 tons and standing up to 10 meters tall, though they average around half that. One unfinished sculpture would have stood 21 meters (69 feet!) tall and weighed 180 tons. More statues are still being discovered.

Almost all (95%) of the moais were carved from the volcano's stone tuff - compressed volcanic ash that's relatively easy to carve using only stone tools (toki).

Probably the biggest mystery is how tribes using Stone-Age tech could succeed in transporting 50-ton moai statues across kilometers of hilly terrain. Because the island was largely treeless by the time Europeans first arrived (by which time local culture and history had largely collapsed), the movement of the statues was a mystery for a long time.

Some transportation theories are more accepted than others:

The earliest accounts say a king named Tuu Ku Ihu moved them with the help of the god Makemake, while later stories tell of a woman who lived alone on the mountain ordering them about at her will. 

The longest-held European hypothesis was that the moai statues were dragged from the volcano to their destinations along log rollers, which also explained how the island became deforested. Pollen analysis has established that the island was almost totally forested until 1200 CE, and tree pollen disappears from the record by 1650.

However, Iceland demonstrates how simply using wood for construction and fire can quickly deforest an island.

According to oral tradition, the moai statues walked to their destination. A literal interpretation is that the statues were rocked from side to side while pulling them forward to "walk" them to their final sites, as demonstrated in this recent experiment. This theory holds the most scholarly support today.

A not-uncommon but highly unlikely (and, y'know, disrespectful) claim is that aliens placed the moai statues for the locals. Occam's razor suggests this probably isn't the answer. But everyone loves aliens. The debate continues.

The ancient period ended when the Rapa Nui people were devastated by Peruvian slave-raiding expeditions that reached the island in 1862. Within a year, the individuals who remained on the island were sick, injured, and lacking leadership. Survivors of the slave raids had to deal with Christian missionaries. By the time Europeans arrived in 1722, the island's population was estimated at less than 3,000. Foreign diseases and emigration to other islands such as Tahiti further depleted the population, reducing it to a low of 111 native inhabitants in 1877.

Chile annexed the island in 1888, but it wasn't until 1966 that the Rapa Nui were granted Chilean citizenship. The 2017 census registered 7750 people on the island, of whom 3512 (45%) consider themselves Rapa Nui.

The original inhabitants live on among their famous megaliths.

#rapa nui #moai #archaeology #easter island #history

[birdy-bird27]

Just finished seeing avatar way of water and I both enjoy it but also have some gripes. For context I grew up OBSESSED with the first avatar Movie to a intense amount. This has been my most hyped movie growing up. The visuals are amazing, I was enamored the whole time you would forget it’s CGI. Even better I saw it in 3D and 4D which made it even more immersive. I really enjoyed it even though there was some clear sequel bait in it but whatever. But overall the experience was great and I enjoyed the movie. However there was some parts that really made no sense to me that I can’t shake spoilers below

I

hate how like Jake made his family move from their home?!? Like that’s neytiri whole culture and life. It’s clearly an important part to her and her family but they run away to the metkayina clan. Totally different way of life. Let’s be honest the metkayina clan is supposed to represent Polynesian culture just like how the first movie is Native American culture. like I’m Alaskan native, it’s like I packed up and left behind my family and culture to go live in Hawaii and decided yup I’m Hawaiian now like what?!?! It was also very jarring how quickly they settled in to the clan??? It felt a bit rushed to me. Also the metkayina people are literally built for the water unlike the Omaticaya (Jakes family) and they just magically blend in? it took like one montage for the kids to fit in. It felt so weird to me. How at the end how they say they are sea people now? Why did they bury Neteyam in the ocean? His last words were “I want to go home” he should have a proper burial back with the omaticaya clan. Honestly it just felt like James Cameron really wanted the rest of the series set in the ocean since he’s a huge ocean freak and needed a reason to keep it in that setting.

Also fuck spider he was annoying as shit I can’t believe he saved quaritch that dumb idiot. He saw him ruined so many villages of the Navi, fucking kidnapped and assaulted his friends and more yet still saved him which clearly means quaritch is coming back in a future movie to my dismay. Spider just is a weird inclusion I didn’t like him they didn’t develop him at all and was just there to be there when they needed a way to save the main cast.

#avatar #avatar way of water #avatar 2 #avatar spoilers #avatar way of water spoilers #spoilers #I had to get that out of my system lol #bruh does anymore now how to add read more on mobile? #it’s not working for me

[kickthecan-revolution]

Morning.

I met with an intuitive coach yesterday and it was powerful. He’s from Hawaii and his practice is grounded in his native roots. Polynesians call his abilities “seeing” - he explained that “psychic” is a colonized term. The first time I met with him, we did some breath work. I was laying halfway on a sofa though you couldn’t tell that from zoom, my left leg tucked up underneath me. He asked if I was in that exact position and I needed to have both feet on the floor, that he could see some energy blockage. That was kind of wild.

Yesterday, we did something called “second breath”. There’s a Hawaiian term for it but I’m not going to write it down because they don’t do that, it’s all oral tradition. You inhale - and then take a huge inhale after that, hold for 8 seconds and release. I coughed and choked the first time but it’s because I’m doing it from my throat. I focused on the second breath in my stomach and I felt it burn, like stretching a muscle. It’s still hard, I still cough but it was pretty wild how I could feel it in my body and my mind. I’m going to do it everyday. He said it will help me take in others perspectives and critiques in with less defensiveness, as it creates capacity for that.

I talked about my foreboding anxiety and he gave me some incredible advice. That for people like me, how I’m wired, I see the future clearly in many moments so when I can’t see it, I get anxiety and assume it’s because something bad is going to happen. And in that moment if I don’t have evidence for what’s going to be bad or fail, to shift it aggressively out of my body and mind.

It took a second to hear that, and I spoke my doubts about the future thing. He asked me “when you are in your job and someone has a problem, do you instantly see the solution and physically feel like you are in that place? And it’s hard to take people with you?” he in a couple of sentences, described my career in design and strategy. I was shocked and emotional. My boss told me once “what you do in meetings is put two steps immediately into the future, Di. It’s so clear to you and I see you in it, describing it. You in that moment are describing your present state, but you’re in the future. So it’s hard for people to understand it because you describe it like you’re there. You need one foot in the present, and one in the future. You have to learn how to take people with you.” For YEARS, I say something at my company and people dismiss it, only to come back and say “didn’t you say this/want to do this years ago?” now I understand that more, so I don’t have to blame my communication skills so much.

I opened up about some of the spiritual experiences I had when I was little. That when I’m with people, I just know things sometimes. That I have moments with people where I say things and I can tell it was like, I don’t know, the only term I have for it is the Christian term “Word”. He spoke directly to that and the detail feels private right now but he reminded me that these are gifts I can either choose to expand or not, but in moments of love and connection, they will come anyway so to not worry so much and how to manage the fear when those moments are heavy.

I’m going to keep it up, it’s such insight and what a blessing to experience this culture in such a pure, decolonized way. This is going to be a great year of spiral discovery and recovery for me.

[ortodelmondo]

The Real Heart of Darkness

In 1899 King Leopold II of Belgium, who was the then private owner of the Congo Free State, knew there many scientific secrets, resources to plunder, hidden and unclaimed in his newly bought property, which happened to be larger than Westen Europe in size.

So it was a stroke of luck that the king’s German great nephew, Count Wolfgang Von Strassenberger desperately wanted to lead an expedition to traverse the innermost and until this day undiscovered (to western eyes) parts of the Congo and the secret treasures it held, on a steam boat down the Congo river.

Count Von Strassenberger had no experience in colonial expeditions especially in the most hazardous unknowns in the world, having only been somewhat of an observer on a Polynesian expedition in his his youth. But he was a philosopher, keen man of science and truth-seeker and was adamant that he would discover much on his expedition which would be funded entirely by his great uncle. Fame and monetary riches meant little to the German count who was a black sheep in his family.

There isn’t much information as to what happened to him next on his expedition apart from him and his crew went missing and were presumed dead, until the Count emerged 16 years later in 1915.

He is said to be a sickly and aged madman, when he presented himself to the the Belgian officials in Stanleyville now known as the city of Kisangani in the now Democratic Republic of Congo.

In the Count’s mad ramblings, he spoke of cannibalism , the grotesque deaths of his entire crew, strange lost cities of devils not of this planet, juju magic spells, shamans with tentacled limbs, river monsters, visiting a fairytale world called Xüaz and and other tales that would and still does make even the most rational of men quiver with fear. All of which was recorded by the Belgian colonial officials.

The Count would die a few days later, never making it back to his native Europe.

On the Count’s person he had a rolls of film which were later developed in Paris and a yet to be released diary. These are some of the photos that have been kept under lock and key in the museum of Brussels, until now.

#Count Wolfgang Von Strassenberger #heart of darkness #congo

[aethuviel]

I saw Avatar: TWOW this past wednesday, and these are my spoiler-y thoughts.

I went to see the original Avatar twice when it first came. Once in regular theaters, knowing absolutely nothing about it except “blue aliens on a forest planet”. Then the next time on New Year’s Eve, when we drove 100 km to a different city to see it in 3D, and needless to say, I was absolutely floored by the world and its beauty.

I was just starting worldbuilding in late 2009, and Avatar gave me the biggest inspiration kick I’ve ever had, that lasted for many years.

The story and characters were never the greatest however, and couldn’t really be due to the story the film wanted to tell. It’s fine. (I have to say Grace is my favorite female character ever, but that’s not saying a lot because I haven’t seen many interesting female characters. I just love her attitude, her love for Pandoran nature and her character development.)

So, when is the sequel coming? Waiting. And waiting and waiting and waiting. After the third or fourth delay (I don’t even know), I decided to just give it up and “It comes when it comes”. When the final release date was set, I joked online “Avatar 2 is coming in 2022? I’m so happy it’s finally coming in 2023! It will be 15 years since the first one! I can’t wait to see Avatar 2 in 2025!”, making a joke on the constant delays...

While recent big franchise sequels and reboots have been disappointments and I haven’t been to cinemas since 2018, this was the first time since 2015 I felt this excited to see a film. I actually trust Cameron to stay true to his vision and not sell out to make some cheap crap.

I also trust him not to put spoilers in the trailers, so while I’ve watched trailers like holding a piece of hot coal since HTTYD 2 (still pissy about it nine years later), I gladly watched all the Way of Water trailers, but I really tried to avoid seeing revealing information online (like who all the kids are).

All in all: I don’t think it’s as massive an experience as Avatar 1, but there’s a good reason for that.

The reason being, of course, that Avatar in 2009 was a shock to audiences. We weren’t expecting to be immersed in such a beautiful world, like something seen in a dream (and it actually was, by Cameron, many years ago...). Cue “The Avatar Blues”.

This time however, we knew we were supposed to be blown away by a beautiful alien planet, so the shock couldn’t possibly be as great.

I also can’t agree with the cast’s statements that “the stakes are higher”, I actually think the stakes of Hometree going down (and possibly the Tree of Souls) was a higher one than a man-on-man revenge plot and a family being threatened. It’s a different story and premise, so it is what it is.

This film is really all about family, and I loved that because it’s actually really rare in cinema, and something that’s rare in fiction full stop, is families having more than 1 kid, so I really loved seeing a family with four kids here (no, not counting Spider).

One disappointment is the soundtrack. James Horner’s parts from the first movies were not adapted, they were put in completely as is. Akula chasing Lo’ak? Music from Thanator chasing Jake. Kids riding Ilu for the first time? Music from when Jake rode Ikran for the first time. Tulkun killed? Music from Hometree’s destruction. If you’ve seen the first film many times and perhaps taken a liking to listening to the soundtrack, these stand out like a sore thumb.

And the rest, composed by Simon Franglen, just couldn’t hold a candle to James Horner. There were some good bits, and of course Neytiri’s song added some nice atmosphere and worldbuilding, but unfortunately, not a memorable soundtrack.

There were otherwise only two things that stood out to me, that I didn’t like. While the Omatikaya were not overly inspired by Native Americans or any other human culture, the Metkayina were definitely overly inspired by Maori and other Polynesians. The tattoos, even the brief haka display. It was too obvious. It’s as obvious as if Neytiri’s father would have worn a feather hat, as the chief.

The other thing, was the marine biologist explaining the intelligence of the tulkun. This is an alien planet, and I absolutely love the idea of having sapient species that are not humanoid, or building human-like societies. That said, this film, and its predecessor, definitely wants you to think about Earth all the time. What he says about the tulkun is almost word for word from Blackfish, where animal rights activists lie for 90 minutes straight about killer whales.

In Blackfish, they insinuate on no grounds whatsoever, that killer whales are more intelligent and feel more intense emotions than humans, because of a “part of the brain humans don’t have”. Yes, they do have that... it has to do with echolocation, of course we don’t have that. It has nothing to do with emotion or intelligence. They are extremely intelligent and emotional, but there’s absolutely no reason to think they, or any other whales, have more of it than we have. (For the record, killer whales are so compassionate to other creatures that they will kill a baby humpback or grey whale slowly in front of its mother, only to eat its tongue, a delicacy, and leave its trashed corpse to its mother, who is left hanging in shock.)

Since this was included in the film, and it so obviously wants to make us think of Earth whales, I had to roll my eyes and cringe for a bit.

I’ve seen nitpicking about other things, basically because they failed to understand something about the film.

“Why are they speaking English?” (Jake makes it very clear in an early scene that they are speaking Na’vi, it’s just translated to us. No way most audiences would want to sit through a 3 hour film in an alien language, not to mention how difficult it would be on the actors.)

“Neytiri would NEVER want to kill an INNOCENT person, that’s not her!” on her threatening Spider. What? That was perfectly in line with her character, and her best scene in the film. Her son had just been murdered, and the entire rest of her family was at gunpoint. The film made it very clear Neytiri never liked or trusted Spider. If you can’t understand her actions in that scene, I don’t know what to say. And he’s not a child, it’s not like she threatened a toddler, he’s almost a man.

Towards the end of the film, I was wondering why Neteyam didn’t have more of a story. Lo’ak has a lot going on, Kiri is clearly being set up for something huge, Tuk is just a child still... but Neteyam was just there to be a big brother. “Maybe”, I though, “he’ll have more of a story in the next film”. ...aaaand he was dead 15 minutes later. And I understood, that’s what he as a character existed for. Jake’s family couldn’t get out of this story without a loss, for story-telling purposes, I understand that.

But it also meant it was hard to feel something when Neteyam died. It was more being sad for Jake and Neytiri, than sad because he died.

And it was a really beautiful scene towards the end, when Jake and Neytiri joined with the tree to see him again.

All in all, I would give the film a 9-9.5 out of 10. Same as the original Avatar, which may just have a bit of an edge over this one, but they’re both absolutely great.

#Avatar 2 #Avatar The Way of Water

[deviantartdramahub]

I didn't realize just how many people on DeviantArt care about American law. In America, there's a law saying that only Native Americans can collect bald eagle feathers, and that anyone else doing so can accumulate a 100,000 dollar fine.

Source: https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2018/aug/12/find-an-eagle-feather-us-law-says-dont-take-it-cuo/

I posted a picture of myself with bald eagle feathers I used for cosplay (a part of the skirt, for Final Fantasy so of course it has feathers), despite not being of a tribe. Did I know about this law? Of course I did. But I thought the right applied to native Hawaiians too.

Cue the cancellers. Vrrrrrrooooooom!

I'm trying to make the most joy out of my situation, but honestly I hate it. I didn't just get pummeled for it, I got suspended for it. So many activists yelling at me, saying "you're not one of us" and "you'll never be welcome in our ranks". Indigenous people are stuck up.

While suspended, I then got an additional amount of time for complaining a white person was cosplaying as Nani from Lilo and Stitch.

DeviantArt is bonkers. All over feathers. OP here is currently letting me hang in her server while I wait for the suspension to clear up, turns out she knows a thing or two about the Polynesian experience.

It’s their fault for not being fair/clear.

[fahimfoysal21]

Top 10 Places of Mystery

Open your mind to new travel experiences by trading your usual fun-in-the sun vacation for 1 of these strange phenomena, unexplainable events or mysterious murder locations. Crystal Skulls Southern Mexico and Central America Search ancient Mayan ruins throughout the jungles of southern Mexico and Central America for magical skulls. The legend claims that 13 crystal skulls, thought to be containers of great wisdom and mankind's destiny, were left behind by Mayan elders to be discovered by future generations. Five of the skulls have already been found -- 1 in Belize's Lost City of Lubaantun. Nazca Lines Nazca, Peru https://www.tumblr.com/fahimfoysal21 Fly over enormous land figures -- including a dog, a monkey and a 900-foot bird -- along the southern coast of Peru. Although the lines are believed to have been created by the Nazca Indians some 2,000 years ago, no one is certain why or how they managed to produce such massive, complex forms. Some believe aliens created them as landing strips for their spacecraft. Bermuda Triangle Atlantic Ocean Visit the 3 apexes -- Miami, San Juan and Bermuda -- of the infamous Bermuda Triangle. The triangle earned its deadly reputation due to the unexplained disappearances of 80 aircraft and 60 boats since 1975. Intense electrical forces and a tunnel-like cloud have been reported, but other theories include rapidly changing weather patterns and alien abduction. Ark of the Covenant Ethiopia https://www.tumblr.com/fahimfoysal21 Join the greatest religious quest of our time. The search for the Ark of the Covenant, the golden container thought to hold the Ten Commandments, dates back to 586 B.C., when it vanished from King Solomon's temple. Some scholars have speculated that the ark was brought to Ethiopia, while others believe the ark could be located in the Judean desert. Oregon Vortex Gold Hill, Oregon Experience an unexplainable force field just off Interstate 5 in southern Oregon. Native Americans called it the The Forbidden Ground, and in the early 1900s, scientists speculated that the land contained crossed magnetic lines that produced a strange force field. It's been reported that the vortex can make things spin, create the illusion of a dramatic change in height, and other optical illusions. The Boston Strangler Boston, Massachusetts Investigate and catch the real Boston Strangler. Between 1962 and 1964, 11 women were found strangled to death in their Boston homes. Albert DeSalvo confessed to the killings, but discrepancies in his story and advances in DNA testing led authorities to re-open the case in 2001. The Loch Ness Monster Inverness, Scotland Spot Nessie in the Highlands of Scotland. After thousands of reported sightings and investigations, the Loch Ness Monster has been described as 15 - 40 feet long with 1 or several humps. Scientists speculate that it (if it truly exists) could be a prehistoric marine reptile with a long neck and flippers, while others believe it could be part of the eel family. Crop Circles Avebury, England Decipher gigantic, intricate patterns found in the wheat fields of a small farming community. Crop circles have appeared around the world, but over 100 have been reported in Avebury within the last 12 years. Explanations for these frequent formations include hoaxes, the wind, the military, lasers and the ever popular extraterrestrial messages. Easter Island Statues Easter Island Witness Polynesian giants 2,300 miles west of Chile and 2,500 miles southeast of Tahiti. When discovered in 1722, this 15-mile island was completely isolated and uninhabited except for 800 enormous statues. Their huge size and weight -- some standing 30 feet tall and weighing over 75 tons -- would have made them almost impossible to build and move. Jack the Ripper London, England Retrace the steps of the world's most notorious serial killer. More than a century after the butchering of 5 prostitutes, the identity of Jack the Ripper remains a mystery. Visitors to London's East End can still experience that autumn of terror on the original Jack the Ripper Walk.

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[blackhalee]

The Real Heart of Darkness

In 1899 King Leopold II of Belgium, who was the then private owner of the Congo Free State, knew there many scientific secrets, resources to plunder, hidden and unclaimed in his newly bought property, which happened to be larger than Westen Europe in size.

So it was a stroke of luck that the king’s German great nephew, Count Wolfgang Von Strassenberger desperately wanted to lead an expedition to traverse the innermost and until this day undiscovered (to western eyes) parts of the Congo and the secret treasures it held, on a steam boat down the Congo river.

Count Von Strassenberger had no experience in colonial expeditions especially in the most hazardous unknowns in the world, having only been somewhat of a observer on a Polynesian expedition in his his youth. But he was a philosopher, keen man of science and truth-seeker and was adamant that he would discover much on his expedition which would be funded entirely by his great uncle. Fame and monetary riches meant little to the German count who was a black sheep in his family.

There isn’t much information as to what happened to him next on his expedition apart from him and his crew went missing and were presumed dead, until the Count emerged 16 years later in 1915.

He is said to be a sickly and aged madman, when he presented himself to the the Belgian officials in Stanleyville now known as the city of Kisangani in the now Democratic Republic of Congo.

In the Count’s mad ramblings, he spoke of cannibalism , the grotesque deaths of his entire crew, strange lost cities of devils not of this planet, juju magic spells, shamans with tentacled limbs, river monsters, visiting a fairytale world called Xüaz and and other tales that would and still does make even the most rational of men quiver with fear. All of which was recorded by the Belgian colonial officials.

The Count would die a few days later, never making it back to his native Europe.

On the Count’s person he had a rolls of film which were later developed in Paris and a yet to be released diary. These are some of the photos that have been kept under lock and key in the museum of Brussels, until now.

Congo🖤

[dan6085]

Based on the information provided in the search results, here is a list of the top 20 cultures of all time and explanations for their inclusion:

1. Italian Culture - Renowned for its rich Renaissance art, architecture, and cuisine, Italy has a deeply influential and historic culture that has shaped Western civilization.

2. Chinese Culture - One of the oldest and most enduring cultures in the world, Chinese culture has had a profound impact on art, philosophy, language, and traditional values across Asia.

3. Japanese Culture - Unique and prominent, Japanese culture has evolved over centuries, blending traditional practices with modern influences, and is known for its art, architecture, and traditions.

4. Indian Culture - Diverse and ancient, Indian culture is shaped by Hinduism, Buddhism, and other religions, and is renowned for its art, music, literature, and traditional customs.

5. Egyptian Culture - The ancient Egyptian civilization developed one of the earliest and most influential cultures, leaving a lasting legacy in areas like architecture, religion, and mythology.

6. Greek Culture - Classical Greek culture made seminal contributions to Western civilization in philosophy, art, architecture, science, and democracy.

7. Mexican Culture - A vibrant blend of indigenous, Spanish, and modern influences, Mexican culture is celebrated for its art, music, cuisine, and rich traditions.

8. Mayan Culture - The advanced Mayan civilization developed a sophisticated culture with impressive achievements in mathematics, astronomy, and architecture.

9. Aztec Culture - The Aztec Empire created a complex, influential culture marked by advanced urban planning, religious practices, and a distinctive artistic style.

10. Mesopotamian Culture - One of the earliest civilizations, Mesopotamia developed a culture that made groundbreaking contributions to writing, law, and urban development.

11. Incan Culture - The Inca Empire built a remarkable culture with impressive engineering feats, a complex social structure, and a rich tradition of textiles and art.

12. Polynesian Culture - The diverse cultures of Polynesia, including Hawaii, New Zealand, and other Pacific islands, are known for their unique art, music, and traditional practices.

13. Native American Cultures - The indigenous cultures of North and South America have a long history and diverse traditions, including art, storytelling, and spiritual beliefs.

14. African Cultures - The African continent is home to countless vibrant and diverse cultures, each with their own unique languages, arts, and customs.

15. Australian Aboriginal Culture - The world's oldest continuous culture, Australian Aboriginal people have a rich heritage of art, music, and traditional practices.

16. Russian Culture - Deeply influenced by its Orthodox Christian heritage, Russian culture has made significant contributions to literature, music, art, and philosophy.

17. Brazilian Culture - A melting pot of indigenous, European, and African influences, Brazilian culture is renowned for its music, dance, carnival celebrations, and diverse cuisine.

18. Thai Culture - Shaped by Buddhism and a long history, Thai culture is celebrated for its ornate temples, traditional arts, and unique culinary traditions.

19. Korean Culture - The culture of South Korea and North Korea has evolved over centuries, with a strong emphasis on Confucianism, traditional arts, and modern pop culture.

20. Turkish Culture - Bridging Europe and Asia, Turkish culture is a synthesis of Ottoman, Islamic, and Anatolian influences, reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and rich history.

These cultures have been included in the list due to their significant impact on human civilization, their enduring legacies, and their unique contributions to art, philosophy, religion, and the overall human experience.

Sources

[1] Top 28 Cultures of the World - Mars Translation https://www.marstranslation.com/blog/top-28-cultures-of-the-world

[2] 20 Fascinating Cultural Traditions Around the World - Day Translations https://www.daytranslations.com/blog/20-traditions-around-the-world/

[3] The World's 20 Best Cities for Culture Right Now - TimeOut https://www.timeout.com/travel/worlds-best-cities-for-culture

[4] 24 Different Cultural Traditions Around the World - Tomedes https://www.tomedes.com/translator-hub/24-cultural-traditions-around-world

[sohannabarberaesque]

Peter Potamus headcannon/fanfic prompt

In all his adventures in Polynesia Uncharted, Peter Potamus can't help but join the natives on utterly naked (yet wonderful in their own right) diving experiences where, more often than not, the dolphins have an almost fascinating sort of bond with the natives which is best described as mutual. Not to mention unlikely to be duplicated in captivity as such involves dolphins swimming about in Nature, and the natives have a deep and abiding respect for such a friendship as they're taught to play along with.

#hanna barbera #headcannon #fanfic prompt #peter potamus #polynesia uncharted #swimming with dolphins #dolphin human relationship #dolphin human bond #natural dolphin love #natural dolphin swims #native polynesian experiences #hannabarberaforever

[mudaship39]

Heart of Dragon Fire, Soul of Phoenix Flame, & Ocean Blood of Sea Fairy 

Chapter 13: Verse: 

Thunderous Silence:

Trigger Warning: Writing About Self Harm, Trauma and abuse, Mental Illnesses, & Writing About Almost Committing Suicide 

I am in the afterlife standing in front of gods and goddesses that I pray to

I am weeping earth and ocean tears 

My Tahitian goddesses Rearea, Ihi, & Ai-tupuai say, 

“Our maohi or raerae child.”

“You are not supposed to be here this early.”

There are cuts on my arms

The scars on my body are still bleeding

I remember every scar of self harm ever cut and carved into my body

With my own clawed dragon hands 

Even if the scars heal with time 

My mind and my heart always remembers 

In my hands is a pistol 

My favorite side arm a Colt 1911

There is smoke coming from the barrel 

There is a shell casing on the floor 

“I’m sorry,” I keep repeating to them over and over

Ocean tears flow out of my bloodshot eyes  

There is a look of immense sorrow and torment in their eyes 

As they finally understand what happened

They mourn and they grieve

I had a suicide attempt and actually succeeded 

In this timeline I actually jumped

In this timeline I didn’t climb down

In this timeline I actually bought that gun

In this timeline I didn’t decide against it

So they grieve and mourn my loss  

I wonder if I finally met the Polynesian Indigenous Pasifika gods and goddesses 

I am trying to pray to in the afterlife 

What would they say about my scars of self harm 

What would they say about my suicide attempts 

I say I want to die so fucking badly 

That I am not afraid of dying but I am afraid of living 

That I don’t want to live anymore 

That there is this pain, anguish, grief, & mourning in my mind, my heart, and my soul 

Caused by self hate because of racism, colorism, & anti native racism 

Caused by ableism and classism 

Caused by homophobia and transphobia 

Would they understand internalized racism, colorism, & anti native racism?

Would they comprehend chronic mental illnesses?

Would they feel rage against those who did that to me?

There is an war in my mind

An ongoing invisible visceral conflict

That only I can see

I am a battle scarred veteran

My chest is marked with pins and medals of battles won…and battles lost

Those that caused me to have internalized racism, colorism, & anti native racism in the first place?

Would they feel sorrow because their child had hated themselves for so long?

What did they feel when I said I wished I wasn’t born a person of color and Indigenous Pasifika

When I hated my brown skin

When I was a fucking child at only eight years old?!

I experienced prejudice of racism and anti native racism 

For being Southeast and East Asian and being Polynesian Indigenous Pasifika as an Asian Native 

I experienced discrimination of ableism of being disabled, being chronically ill, being neurodivergent, & being autistic

I experienced bigotry of homophobia and transphobia for being queer and being trans 

I experienced prejudice of classism for being poor and being low income

Every facet of who I am was mocked 

From elementary school to college 

It’s a wonder why I didn’t follow through with committing suicide sooner in high school and college 

I ask my ancestors or na kupuna 

Did they feel pain, agony, distress, & anguish, grief, mourning, torment, & sorrow

Did their divine hearts and celestial souls break?

They don’t understand why I would I hate myself

They don’t comprehend why I would destroy this perfect creation that they made

I didn't know how to love myself I couldn't 

How could I when my first experience of racism, colorism, anti native racism, classism, & ableism 

Was when I was only a child at five fucking years old!

The first time I was ever called a retard or a cripple was in grade school

The first time I was ever called a faggot a tranny or a sissy was in grade school

The first time I ever heard native people like me being called brutes or savages was in jr high

School was supposed to be a safe place for me 

But it never was from even elementary school until even college! 

Discrimination, prejudice, & intolerance followed me everywhere!

I had no self love ever since I was young at only eight years old

Sky father 

Ocean mother

You know why I do not trust your paternal love

You know why I do not trust your maternal love

The only time my emotionally absent father ever cries is when he talks about his own deadbeat father

My father was physically, emotionally, & verbally abusive

My mother enabled his violence and abuse with her silence and inaction 

I lost respect for my father the first time he ever raised his hand against his defenseless children 

I lost respect for my mother the first time she let that shit slide in her house

My siblings and I internalized that abuse 

I was raised in a toxic environment at home

I was raised in a bigoted environment at home

My siblings and I internalized that toxic and bigoted environment

My disabled parents treat me with lateral violence 

Considering my visible and invisible disabilities as not compared to theirs 

They gaslight and are dismissive of each other’s disabilities

Honestly they deserve each other 

Their toxic codependency 

Their verbal and emotional abuse to each other 

My siblings relationship with each other was toxic and abusive 

Till we unlearned that in therapy 

We have a better more positive relationship with each other now

My relationship with my parents though is neutral

Out of sight out of mind 

I don’t have parents

I don’t care for them one way or another 

When he raised his hand to a kid

And she did nothing to stop it

They were already dead to me 

A long time ago 

I went to a bigoted environment at school

I was abused physically, mentally, & emotionally at school

Teachers enabled the abuse and the bigotry

With their silence, apathy, & indifference

The reason I ever climbed the stairs of that building to teach the roof

The reason I ever grabbed that knife and held it in my hand

The reason I ever thought about buying that gun

Putting the barrel in my mouth 

And squeezing the fucking trigger! 

Was cuz of them

Cuz of their violence and bigotry 

Their abuse and trauma

People who should have protected me, loved me, and cared for me as a marginalized person

Were my first bullies

I died that day I turned back from that gun store

I died that day I climbed down that building

I died that day I put the knife back

I buried a part of myself as a disabled native of color

I buried a part of myself as a queer and trans indigenous person of color

You buried me before right 

Your son!

Your daughter! 

Your maohi raerae third gender child!

A mother should not have to grieve her child

An ancestor should not have to mourn her descendant 

I buried a part of myself as an Asian Native Pasifika 

As long as this earth ocean and sky mind thinks

As long as this flame phoenix soul sings

As long as this dragon heart roars

I will never ever forgive them! 

My elders and ancestors grieved and mourned

Each essence of their heir and descendant that passed on to them 

I am done burying parts of myself as a marginalized person 

The people that should have loved me!

Didn’t do their fucking job! 

Fuck all of you! 

You took away my voice!

You took away my melody! 

You took from me! 

With your abuse and trauma! 

With your violence! 

Just like cultural genocide stole from me!

Just like displacement robbed from me! 

I have always hated myself 

I hated my brown skin

I hated being a person of color 

I hated being Indigenous Pasifika 

I hated being Kinh Indigenous

I hated being queer and trans 

I hated being disabled 

What did they feel when I had my first suicidal thoughts when I was only thirteen?

Did they judge me? 

A friend who is Polynesian Maori Indigenous Pasifika

My friend whos my chosen whanau he told me

“Hinenuitepō the Maori goddess of the night would tell you she didn't bring you home early.” 

“She would feed you, clothe you, & love you.” 

“What the West calls Death is just us returning to our Grandmother.”

“And how could a loving grandmother ever blame you 

Her grandchild for anything?”

That is why I speak with such pain, anguish, distress, & agony 

That is why I whisper with such grief, mourning, sorrow, & torment 

That is why I scream and roar with such hatred, wrath, anger, fury, & rage

I have so much of it as a Vietnamese and Chinese person of color 

I have so much of it as a Kinh Indigenous and Polynesian Tahitian Indigenous Pasifika

The only things I know are pain, grief, hatred, sorrow, & rage 

I fear if I have children I pass on that generational trauma, that self hate, & that pain

I fear if I have a partner or partners who aren’t people of color or Indigenous

They would not even understand a fragment of that suffering 

Because of their racism, colorism, & anti native racism 

Because of their verbal, emotional, & physical abuse

Because of their physical violence 

I could not speak with my earth voice

I could not sing with my ocean song

With my selective mutism caused by trauma and abuse 

Because of verbal, emotional, & physical abuse

Because of physical violence 

I learned that silence is a language a lingua franca I was very fluent in 

Have you ever been robbed of the ability to speak

Have you ever been stolen the ability to sing 

Have you ever been terrified of human contact 

I have you know

I know that feeling all too well

I don’t like it when people are in my personal space without my consent 

I flinch at hugs and high fives because of my depression, anxiety, and ptsd 

My gods and goddesses once tried to hug me in my dreams 

But I screamed in terror and I yelled in fear

I growled, snarled, & roared as my heart and my soul manifested itself into a dragon and phoenix 

I bared my dragon teeth and snarled, growled, & roared

I unsheathed my wraithlike dragon claws and ethereal phoenix talons 

I thought I was being attacked because of my history with abuse, violence, & trauma 

My deities flinched back in hurt but I saw the empathy in their eyes 

As they stepped back and apologized for triggering my chronic mental illnesses 

Of depression, anxiety, panic attacks, & post traumatic stress disorder

They cried when they saw me hug myself 

They wept when they heard me say please don’t hurt me while crying my eyes out 

I had a panic attack and anxiety attack in my dream 

Because my chronic mental illnesses 

Were triggered by my trauma 

Reactions to abuse and trauma is flight, fight, fawn, or freeze 

Knowing I have depression, anxiety, & PTSD caused by abuse and trauma 

It’s why my ancestors and deities they now ask for my consent first before they touch me

In my dreams I see a monster

A monster that shows me as a teenager howling with tears begging not to be a person of color, being brown skinned, & being Indigenous Pasifika 

A monster that shows me as a young adult committing self harm 

Because of internalized racism, colorism, & anti native racism

I used to have a lot of internalized racism, colorism, & anti native racism

As a child I wished that I wasn’t born Asian

As a preteen I wished that I wasn’t born brown

As a teenager I wished I wasn’t born Indigenous 

As a young adult I wanted to have a child with a non native white girl 

So my future child would be born lighter than I was

A monster that shows me as an adult if I did buy that gun 

If I did put the barrel of that pistol in my mouth and pulled the trigger 

A monster that shows me as a young adult if I did jump off that building 

To end my pain of depression, anxiety, and ptsd 

Caused by trauma, verbal abuse, emotional abuse, physical abuse, & physical violence

A monster that shows the aftermath

A monster that shows my loved ones mourning and grieving over my loss 

A monster that shows her the Latinx woman of color crying over my corpse

She cries tears of grief and mourning as her soul breaks with sorrow and torment

A monster that shows my earth mother and ocean mother weeping over my loss

She weeps tears of anguish and misery as her heart breaks with agony and pain

A monster that shows the war in my mind of mental illnesses that I have lived with since I was  a preteen and me losing 

My Sky Father, my Earth Mother, & my Ocean Mother want to ask my consent before they embrace me as I cry in their arms 

[202310271]

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🩷 Golden Age > Baby Boomers > Generation XY

Baby Boomers usually think Golden Age is uncool. They “kept” their duty with them that they love their children, who don’t know anything, “sound familiar?” I wouldn’t say I was “dead.”

I feel like a small girl with fair hair, (fair) flushed skin, and nice blue eyes, cuddling in my imagination of Andre Rieu, like I’m a Generation XY and he’s a Baby Boomer.

So, Golden Age are the modern generation, and their children Baby Boomers have their generation of children. They are all people. Anyway, the Baby Boomers’s children are adults now, but they are still kids and don’t have to know anything and cuddle in their parental generation, the Baby Boomers. Like, there is no system. They are just dumb, happy babies getting comforts from their parental Generation the Baby Boomers who think their parents are uncool, you know and they spent a lot of time with them.

So, Generation XY with parents as Baby Boomers and Golden Age watching over as grandparent or whatever generation, are receiving comforts and getting cuddled by their parental generation, Baby Boomers. They are so happy loved. It is the contemporary society. They seek and unlock mysteries of the past that people lived and did their efforts in. Caring about other races is a magical experience, as they have much to offer. I guess if you have Native American indian, you might have Black so I guess that’s what makes the Middle East special and sensitive. I like to promote Asian in Native American indians. They are very different from the Middle East, as a culture. It seems Islanders are Asian, at least maybe Indonesians. Polynesians etc. may be mostly Asian but I read with Black, though Indonesians are from Asia like 10,000 years ago, I read on a maybe copyrighted site other than Wikipedia, and Asia was from Africa. Europe loves other cultures. It’s hard to be mixed race, though, and mixed race is more ignored than full non-European. You can compare African/Black, Asia… I think the Middle East is more related to Europe. Europe may be “Middle Eastern” and ‘Celtic” mixed with Asian etc… There may be more than one Middle Eastern root. I have read and heard that France is from Germany. Switzerland and the Amish in the U.S. may have Italian. I think Italian is a European. I’ve looked at like all the books in 2 or so bookstores and a library or so.

#generations #Andre Rieu #racial

[totall21]

Sacred Stone Massage: Holistic Healing with Stones

In the world of massage therapy, Sacred Stone Massage stands out as a profound and unique approach that incorporates the use of heated and energetically charged stones to facilitate relaxation, healing, and balance. This ancient practice draws from the traditions of indigenous cultures and combines them with modern techniques, creating a holistic and deeply rejuvenating experience. In this article, we will explore the world of Sacred Stone Massage, its origins, techniques, and the profound sense of well-being and harmony it offers.창원출장안마

The Roots of Sacred Stone Massage

Sacred Stone Massage, also known as Hot Stone Massage, has its origins in various indigenous cultures, including Native American, Hawaiian, and Polynesian traditions. These cultures have long recognized the healing and spiritual properties of stones and have incorporated them into their healing rituals and ceremonies.창원출장마사지

The use of heated stones in massage therapy was reintroduced in the modern context by Mary Nelson, a massage therapist, in the late 1990s. Her innovative approach combined the wisdom of indigenous practices with the precision and techniques of modern massage therapy, giving birth to Sacred Stone Massage.

Understanding the Principles of Sacred Stone Massage

Sacred Stone Massage is built on several key principles, which provide the foundation for its practice:

Healing Stones: Smooth, heated stones are chosen for their unique energetic properties and therapeutic benefits. These stones are often made of basalt, a type of volcanic rock, which retains heat effectively.

Balance and Harmony: Sacred Stone Massage aims to create balance and harmony in the body, mind, and spirit. It recognizes the interconnectedness of these aspects of well-being.

Energy Transfer: The stones are believed to hold energy, and through the massage, this energy is transferred to the recipient, promoting healing and relaxation.

Temperature Therapy: The use of warm stones helps to relax the muscles, increase circulation, and reduce stress, while the contrast between hot and cold stones can be used to invigorate and refresh.

Mind-Body Connection: Sacred Stone Massage acknowledges the profound connection between the mind and body. It fosters a sense of peace and tranquility that facilitates healing.

Key Techniques in Sacred Stone Massage

Sacred Stone Massage involves a series of techniques using heated stones to provide a unique and deeply relaxing experience. Here are some primary techniques used:

Heated Stone Placement: Hot stones are strategically placed on specific points of the body, often along the spine, hands, feet, and energy centers, to promote relaxation and balance.

Smooth Stone Strokes: Heated stones are used to deliver smooth, gliding strokes over the body, creating a deeply soothing and continuous sensation.

Hot and Cold Contrast: In some variations of Sacred Stone Massage, both hot and cold stones are used to create a therapeutic contrast, which can invigorate and refresh.

Energetic Transfer: The therapist often believes that the stones transfer their energy and healing properties to the recipient, facilitating a profound sense of well-being.

Chakra Balancing: The stones are placed on or near the body's energy centers, known as chakras, to balance and harmonize the body's energy.

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Cultural Soundtracks in Animation https://spearheadsofgod.com/cultural-soundtracks-in-animation/?feed_id=729 We are thrilled to unveil our latest analysis, fresh from the figurative production line. Your feedback is eagerly awaited and we endeavor to navigate you through a gripping and illuminating journey within our discourse! Animation movies have an innate ability to transcend boundaries and captivate audiences of all ages. Central to their enchantment lies in the synchronization of visual elements with soundtracks. The title of this article, “The Impact of Cultural Soundtracks in Animation Movies,” gives us a lens to explore how incorporating cultural elements in soundtracks has not only enhanced the richness of animation movies but has also played an instrumental role in bridging cultural divides and fostering global awareness. The Harmonious Blend of Culture and SoundIn the 1990s, animation giants Disney revolutionized the industry by integrating cultural soundtracks into movies. The movie “Aladdin” (1992), for instance, is adorned with Middle Eastern music, which is a fundamental part of Arabian culture. The soundtracks use traditional instruments like the Oud and Qanun, and the melodic structure is based on Maqam scales, which is a characteristic of Middle Eastern music. Another example is “The Lion King” (1994), where the soundtrack reverberates with African rhythms and choruses. Hans Zimmer, the composer, went to great lengths to ensure authenticity by incorporating Lebo M., a South African composer, and using African instruments like the Marimba and Djembe. Cultural Education and RepresentationAnimation movies with culturally-rich soundtracks serve as an educational tool for viewers. In “Mulan” (1998), the soundtracks draw heavily from traditional Chinese music, which uses the pentatonic scale. This introduces viewers to a different kind of tonal palette compared to the heptatonic or diatonic scales predominantly used in Western music. Similarly, “Coco” (2017), a movie by Pixar, employs Mexican music to weave a story around the traditional Mexican holiday, Día de Muertos. By using Mariachi style and instruments like guitarrón and vihuela, it acquaints the audience with Mexican culture and traditions. These movies foster cultural representation and provide viewers with insights into the rich tapestry of different cultures. Commercial Success and Global AppealThere is a significant positive correlation between the use of cultural soundtracks in animation movies and their commercial success. Box office hits such as “Moana” (2016), which incorporates Polynesian music, and “Coco”, are testaments to the global appeal of cultural soundtracks. Research shows that movies with culturally authentic soundtracks tend to do well in international markets, as they appeal to a broader audience. The music evokes a sense of familiarity among the native audience while providing a novel experience to others. The Power of Music in StorytellingThe cultural soundtracks in animation movies do not just act as a backdrop but are often integral to the storytelling. They convey emotions, depict settings, and often progress the story. For example, in “Spirited Away” (2001), a Japanese animated film by Studio Ghibli, the soundtrack composed by Joe Hisaishi incorporates traditional Japanese instruments like the Shamisen and Shinobue. The music is not merely complementary but is integral to understanding the characters and the ethereal world they inhabit. Addressing Cultural AppropriationWhile cultural soundtracks in animation movies have their benefits, it is essential to address the issue of cultural appropriation. When elements of a minority culture are used outside of their cultural context, especially without proper understanding or respect, it can be problematic. For example, the initial release of “Aladdin” faced criticism for the portrayal of Arabian culture. It is crucial for filmmakers to research and approach cultural elements with sensitivity and respect to avoid misrepresentation.

 ConclusionThe incorporation of cultural soundtracks in animation movies has undeniably added a new dimension to the cinematic experience. From Disney’s “The Lion King” to Studio Ghibli’s “Spirited Away”, the harmonious blend of culture and sound has not only enchanted audiences but has also played an instrumental role in educating them. Through the use of traditional instruments, scales, and rhythms, these soundtracks transport viewers to different parts of the world, allowing them to experience various cultures from the comfort of their seats. Moreover, this integration of cultural soundtracks has proved to be a catalyst for commercial success. The global appeal generated by these soundtracks has been evident in the box office numbers. Audiences around the world have shown a keen interest in diverse cultural content, which in turn has influenced the industry to produce more culturally enriched animation movies. However, with this power to influence and educate, comes the responsibility of respectful representation. Filmmakers must be vigilant to avoid the pitfalls of cultural appropriation. In-depth research, consultation with cultural experts, and involvement of artists from the cultures being represented are key to achieving authenticity. Another interesting avenue that the industry has taken is the localization of soundtracks. This entails adapting the music to suit the tastes and preferences of different cultures, thus further enhancing relatability and appeal. An example can be seen in Disney's “Frozen”, where the song “Let It Go” was adapted into over 40 languages, each rendition incorporating elements of the local culture. In conclusion, cultural soundtracks in animation movies are a potent tool for storytelling, education, cultural exchange, and commercial success. However, like any powerful tool, they must be wielded with care and respect for the cultures they represent. As the world becomes more interconnected, and the exchange of cultures continues to enrich our global tapestry, one can only expect the role of cultural soundtracks in animation movies to become even more prominent. What are your thoughts and opinions on the subject? Do you believe that the incorporation of cultural soundtracks in animation movies has a broader impact beyond entertainment? Is there a particular movie that touched you through its cultural representation in music? Engage in the conversation and share your insights.

#Articles #filmscorereview #filmscores #filmsoundtrack #musicanalysis #musiccomposition #musiccritique #musicexploration #musicinmovies #musicinterpretation #musictheory #scoreassessment #scoreevaluation #scorereview #soundtrackanalysis #soundtrackbreakdown #soundtrackstudy