Renewing Vows is becoming an ever-increasing ‘must do’ for couples visiting Bora Bora. It should come as no surprise since Bora Bora is paradise on earth. Love and romance are fundamentals in Tahitian legend & Tahitian culture is rich in insightful & moving ceremonies.
Bora Bora sits in the world’s most beautiful lagoon. It’s overlooked by spectacular and mystical mountaintops piercing high into the skies, including Mt Otemanu. The legend holds that god descended on Bora Bora atop a rainbow. Nature has been exceptionally generous to Bora Bora.
These photos are of a recently celebrated Traditional Tahitian Renewal of Vows Ceremony celebrating 25 years of marriage & conducted in the powdery white sands of Matira Beach.
The auti – the plant carried by the Tahua (priest) is sacred to Tahitians. In recognition of marriage being sacred, the wedding is first blessed using auti:
The sacred bond of marriage and the union of the two in marriage is recognized by the tying of a strip taken from the back of the auti leaf. It calls in good and protects the couple against evil.
In ancient times Tahitians would tie the strips to the entrance to their fares (homes) to protect their privacy. The water, taken from the sea — the world’s largest temple, represents purification and signifies the purity of marriage.
The couple is wrapped in a tapa in what is regarded as a ‘sacred envelope’ by Tahitians to signify their union:
Bora Bora Insider – Wedding Planner presents a myriad of options for those wishing to celebrate their life-long love. Traditional Tahitian Renewal of Vows Ceremonies are conducted on paradisical motu’s (atolls), atop island mountain-tops.
They offer exceptional panoramas over the lagoon, and during romantic sunset cruises, the options are many as they are varied.
Tourists are often captivated by the exceptional beauty of Bora Bora & the island’s magic for romance. Celebrating one’s love through the Renewal of Vows that you took when being married could be the best part of your stay.