Mana, in the religions of Polynesia and Melanesia of the Pacific Islands, is a supernatural force that flows through objects, people, and places. According to various religious beliefs, mana is an invisible force that permeates (spreads throughout) the universe. Mana can influence events and give supernatural powers to people and objects.
According to various beliefs, mana could be inherited, gained, transferred, or lost. In the stratified (separated by level) social classes of Polynesia, high-ranking individuals were believed to possess greater mana compared with others. Individuals who had a great amount of mana were often leaders, warriors, or priests. Gaining mana was often associated with increased social status and prestige. The children of high-status individuals inherited their parents’ mana. Actions such as gift-giving and success in battle could increase a person’s mana. Other actions—including showing disrespect or criminal behavior—can lead to a loss of mana.
Pacific Islanders believed that certain animals, persons, and religious objects had so much mana that contact with them was dangerous for ordinary people. These mana-filled beings and objects were thus declared sacred or taboo (forbidden to touch). The islanders believed a person who touched a taboo object could suffer injury or even death.
See also Mythology (Mythology of the Pacific Islands); Polynesians; Taboo.
