Exploring Moana Culture: Unpacking the Story’s Rich Cultural References and Inspirations
If you’ve seen Disney’s Moana, you’ll know that it’s a film that celebrates Polynesian culture in all its glory. From the stunning visuals to the catchy tunes, this movie is a feast for the senses. But there’s more to this story than just entertainment. Moana is an excellent example of how popular media can effectively promote cultural understanding and appreciation. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the cultural references and inspirations woven into the Moana story.
The Setting: Hawaii and Polynesia
Moana takes place on a fictional island in the South Pacific called Motunui. However, the film draws heavily on real-world Polynesian culture, which encompasses Hawaii, Samoa, Tonga, Tahiti, and many other islands. The filmmakers consulted with Polynesian cultural advisors to ensure that they portrayed the region’s traditions, music, and mythology accurately. The story’s fictional mythology is based on real Polynesian beliefs, such as the importance of nature and the interconnectedness of all living things.
The Characters: Respect for Ancestors and Elders
Moana follows the journey of a young woman who must navigate the challenges of leadership while honoring her ancestors and respecting her community’s traditions. Throughout the film, we see Moana’s elders, such as her grandmother and father, imparting wisdom and guidance. Children are encouraged to listen and learn from their elders in Polynesian culture, and this is reflected in Moana’s character development.
The Music: Celebrating Polynesian Rhythms and Instruments
The music in Moana is a potent example of how the film celebrates Polynesian culture. The soundtrack features songs written and performed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa’i, and Mark Mancina, among others. The music combines traditional Polynesian rhythms and instruments with modern pop and Broadway sensibilities. The songs’ lyrics also incorporate Polynesian language, such as the Samoan word “tulou,” meaning “excuse me” or “pardon me.”
The Symbols: Honoring Polynesian Art and Mythology
The film’s visual elements pay homage to Polynesian art and mythology. For example, Moana’s necklace, which she wears throughout the story, is modeled after the hei tiki, a traditional Maori pendant. The film’s representation of the ocean as a living, breathing entity draws on Polynesian mythology, in which the sea is personified as a god. Even the tattoos on the characters’ bodies are inspired by traditional Polynesian designs.
The Message: Respecting and Preserving the Environment
Moana’s core message is one of ecological responsibility and respect for the environment. The film highlights the importance of protecting natural resources and the delicate balance of nature. This theme is particularly relevant in the Pacific Islands, which are under threat from rising sea levels, overfishing, and pollution. By promoting the importance of environmental stewardship, Moana helps to raise awareness of these critical issues.
Conclusion: Celebrating and Learning from Polynesian Culture
Moana is an exceptional example of how Disney can use popular media to promote cultural understanding and appreciation. The film celebrates Polynesian culture in all its diversity and richness, incorporating traditional music, mythology, symbols, and language. Through Moana’s character journey and the film’s core message, audiences are encouraged to learn from and respect Polynesian traditions and to protect the natural wonders of the Pacific Islands. By exploring Moana culture, we can gain a deeper understanding of the world around us and the importance of cultural exchange and preservation.
