Polynesians - Introduction, Location, Language, Folklore, Religion, Major holidays, Rites of passage PRONUNCIATION: PAHL-uh-nee-zhuns LOCATION: Polynesia, a vast string of islands in the Pacific Ocean, including Hawaii, New Zealand, Easter Island, Tonga, and French Polynesia POPULATION: Unknown LANGUAGE: Native languages of the islands; Maori; Tahitian; French; English RELIGION: Christianity with elements of native religion The Polynesians are the original inhabitants of a vast string of islands in the Pacific Ocean, from New Zealand in the south to Hawaii in the north. In the Pacific region, there is an important distinction between "high" islands and "low" islands. At the time of the first known European contact with the Polynesian world in the 1500s, there were probably around half a million people scattered throughout the region. The Polynesian languages are part of the larger Austronesian language family that includes most of the languages of the Pacific Basin. Many Polynesian languages face an uncertain future. Greetings in Polynesian societies vary from island to island.
Polynesian culture | History, Religion, Traditions, & Facts | Britannica Polynesian culture, the beliefs and practices of the indigenous peoples of the ethnogeographic group of Pacific islands known as Polynesia (from Greek poly ‘many’ and nēsoi ‘islands’). Polynesia encompasses a huge triangular area of the east-central Pacific Ocean. The triangle has its apex at the Hawaiian Islands in the north and its base angles at New Zealand (Aotearoa) in the west and Easter Island (Rapa Nui) in the east. It also includes (from northwest to southeast) Tuvalu, Tokelau, Wallis and Futuna, Samoa (formerly Western Samoa), American Samoa, Tonga, Niue, the Cook Islands, French Polynesia (Tahiti and the other Society Islands, the Marquesas Islands, the Austral Islands, and the Tuamotu Archipelago, including the Gambier Islands [formerly the Mangareva Islands]), and Pitcairn Island. The physical environment of the Polynesian islands is not as favourable for human habitation as it might at first seem. Polynesian cultures have been radically altered by Western colonialism.
Hawaii Weather | Weather in Hawaii | Go Hawaii Weather in The Hawaiian Islands is very consistent, with only minor changes in temperature throughout the year. There are really only two seasons in Hawaii: summer (kau) from May to October and winter (hooilo) from November to April. The average daytime summer temperature at sea level is 85° F (29.4° C), while the average daytime winter temperature is 78° (25.6° C). Temperature & Climate Zones The islands are an incredible collection of diverse micro-environments, each with its own unique weather plants and animals. Rainfall & Trade Winds Throughout the year, Hawaiian weather patterns are affected primarily by high-pressure zones in the north Pacific that pump cool, moist trade winds down onto the islands’ northeastern slopes. The wettest months are from November to March, but winter rains do not generally disrupt vacation plans, since the weather is very localized. The Hawaiian Islands’ trade winds mean there is almost always a cooling breeze here.
Japan Geography Location Japan consists of several thousands of islands, of which Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku are the four largest. Japan's closest neighbors are Korea, Russia and China. The Sea of Japan separates the Asian continent from the Japanese archipelago. Area Japan's area is comparable to that of Germany or California. Population The population of Japan is about 125,000,000, including approximately three million foreign residents. Earthquakes and Volcanoes Because Japan is located in a region, where several continental plates meet, the country experiences frequent earthquakes. Climate Due to the large north-south extension of the country, the climate varies strongly in different regions. Geography Related Pages
Welcome! - The Hopi Tribe Japan - Demographic trends Japan’s population distribution is highly variable. The mountainous character of the country has caused the population to concentrate within the limited plains and lowlands—notably along the Pacific littoral. The increased population there, however, was absorbed into the expanding urban areas, while the population of rural districts declined considerably; this had the effect of further concentrating population in a limited area. Japan experienced spectacular population growth after 1868; the population increased nearly fourfold since then. This increase was directly related to slow but steady urban growth; the development of Hokkaido, Tōhoku, and southern Kyushu; and the introduction of commercial agriculture. In 1920, when the first precise census was conducted, the population was nearly 57 million. The rapid rehabilitation of industry after 1950 resulted in the continued concentration of population in the Pacific coastal areas.
The Life of Buddha Siddhartha Gautama - Nils Oeynhausen (Text by Barbara Hoetsu O’Brien, journalist and student of Zen Buddhism, with some alterations by myself; Photos by myself taken at Wat Doi Suthep) The life of Siddhartha Gautama, the person we call the Buddha, is shrouded in legend and myth. Although most historians believe there was such a person, we know very little about him. Siddhartha Gautama’s Birth and Family The future Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, was born in the 5th or 6th century BCE in Lumbini (in modern day Nepal). Siddhartha is a Sanskrit name meaning „one who has accomplished a goal“ and Gautama is a family name. His father, King Suddhodana, was the leader of a large clan called the Shakya (or Sakya). Suddhodana married two sisters, Maya and Pajapati Gotami. Lumbini in Nepal is the Buddha’s birthplace and thus the birthplace of buddhism By all accounts, Prince Siddhartha and his family were of the Kshatriya caste of warriors and nobles. The Prophecy and a Young Marriage Siddhartha Gautama’s Birth and Family
Aztec Empire for Kids: Timeline History >> Aztec, Maya, and Inca for Kids 1100 - The Aztecs leave their homeland of Aztlan in northern Mexico and begin their journey south. Over the next 225 years the Aztecs will move many times until they finally settle down at the city of Tenochtitlan. 1200 - The Aztecs arrive in the Valley of Mexico. 1250 - They settle in Chapultepec, but are forced to leave by the Culhuacan tribe. 1325 - The city of Tenochtitlan is founded. 1350 - The Aztecs begin to build causeways and canals around Tenochtitlan. 1375 - The first dominant ruler of the Aztecs, Acamapichtli, comes into power. 1427 - Itzcoatl becomes the fourth ruler of the Aztecs. 1428 - The Aztec Empire is formed with a triple alliance between the Aztecs, the Texcocans, and the Tacubans. 1440 - Montezuma I becomes the fifth leader of the Aztecs. 1440 to 1469 - Montezuma I rules and greatly expands the empire. 1452 - The city of Tenochtitlan is damaged by a great flood. 1502 - Montezuma II becomes ruler of the Aztec Empire. Works Cited
Japan - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette | global-etiquette | resources A distinct island culture formed over thousands of years, although cool and colourful, Japan can also be complex and confusing to the foreigner. What will you Learn? You will gain an understanding of a number of key areas including: Language Religion and beliefs Culture & society Social etiquette and customs Business protocol and work culture Gain an Expert Understanding Once you've read this guide, ensure the success of your Japan business venture by: Enrolling on our Online Japan Cultural Awareness training course which offers a presentation, videos, quizzes and resources. Skip to a section or scroll on... Remember this is only a very basic level introduction to Japanese culture and the people; it can not account for the diversity within Japanese society and is not meant in any way to stereotype all Japanese people you may meet! Japan began to open up its ports and, on March 31st 1854, signed the Treaty of Kanagawa (Japan-US Treaty of Peace and Amity). Religion & Beliefs: The Family: Food: