Every summer, its sweet scent takes us on a journey, marking the return of the sun’s rays. Although monoi has become ultra-popular around the world, its use goes back centuries, rooted in ancestral Polynesian traditions. Let’s rediscover this product with its many benefits for hair and skin.
It has a long history. Several thousand years ago, the Maohis, the ancestors of the Polynesian peoples, used Tiaré flowers to perfume coconut oil. For centuries, monoi was used by the Polynesian population, carrying with it a sacred connotation. According to legend, the creator god Ta’aroa relied on nature to give Tané, the god of beauty whose unattractive physique was reminiscent of that of a jellyfish, a perfect skin. Using massages and natural ingredients such as monoi, Ta’aroa succeeded in giving Tané an impeccable body and skin. Since then, monoi has become part of traditional culture and is associated with beautification.
Use down the centuries
Monoi oil accompanied people throughout their lives. It was the first treatment for infants, to counter dehydration in hot weather and cool the body in cooler temperatures. It was also used for embalming, perfuming the deceased and helping his or her soul to travel to the afterlife. A symbol of the link between the gods, mankind and nature, the precious liquid has remained a traditional beauty ritual, and is used all year round in the Polynesian archipelago.
At the time of the great explorations, many foreign sailors travelled the waters of the South Pacific. Between 1768 and 1771, Captain James Cook discovered Tahiti and mentioned the territory’s customs in his logbook. Monoi was described as a sacred oil with which the inhabitants nourished their bodies and hair.
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Featured photo: © Hei-Poa
