The life of the youths of the island of Mangaia: the course of a young lover (5 photos)

Civilized countries, of course, not only do not maintain contact with minors, but also seriously punish if such occurs. The whole point is that the child is not able to make decisions and be responsible for them. Well, plus physical immaturity. However, the people living on the island of Mangaia think completely differently.





The island is part of the Cook Islands, which became the first European to set foot there in the 18th century. The navigator mentioned that he was shocked by the culture of the local residents because it absolutely did not coincide with the culture of Europe. She was different in everything, including intimate relationships in general and marriage in particular.



The islanders, despite the fact that they managed to be a colony of Britain, and part of the independent Cook Federation, and became part of New Zealand, were able to preserve their age-old traditions and not succumb to outside influence. Today, no more than a thousand people live on Mangaia, and they still have a ritual of initiation for boys, which seems to us something completely wild.



It’s worth starting with the fact that the natives actively support love affairs before marriage, both for girls and boys. True, girls were still strongly recommended not to begin sexual activity before the age of 14. But boys, as future warriors, were equally strongly advised to start as early as possible. Already at the age of 14, he is considered an adult there and can fight along with other men. But before that, you should start having sex and leave at least one child.



First, a teenager aged 12-13 is sent to study with an adult man, who explains in detail what sex is, how best to satisfy a woman, and the rules of behavior with her. In general, the whole theory in two weeks. But then, after completing the theory, the boy goes to practice.



A woman, between the ages of 20 and 40, takes a boy into her care and goes to live with him in a special hut. Also for two weeks. It was there that the boy began to put his knowledge into practice and learned exactly how to please a woman. As soon as this was possible, he was officially recognized as an adult.

Despite the fact that there are very few Aboriginal people left, this tradition is still preserved.