Moana's feminine symbols are perfect. In fact, “moana” is the Polynesian word for ocean, emphasizing her destiny as a voyager. The sea is the source of all life and thus a feminine power, with Moana cast as goddess in training.
The overarching message of Moana is, truly, that the worst thing to happen to you doesn't have to define you. Moana's father lives in fear due to a tragic past; Maui feels as though he is missing a critical part of himself without his hook; Te Fiti turns into a literal monster after she is attacked.
Moana sets her mind on something and achieves it - rescuing her people. She reminds us everyday that we should go after what we really believe in, and not stop until we achieve it!
It is a beautiful Hawaiian given name meaning "ocean, sea, or expanse of water." The name has been a firm favorite among Polynesian communities for years, gaining global popularity with the release of Disney's epic animated film in 2016.
Inspired by Polynesian mythology, Moana is depicted as the strong-willed daughter of a chief of a Polynesian village, who is chosen by the ocean itself to reunite a mystical relic with the goddess Te Fiti.
She is breaking her family's expectations and following what she feels is right. Moana is a fierce independent woman and an example of the cultural feminist perspective. She is showing the world that she can be an independent strong woman who is capable of writing her own story without the help of a man.
The depiction of Maui the demigod, who helps Moana on her journey, is a heroic figure found throughout much of Polynesia credited with performing a range of feats for the good of humankind. Traditionally, Maui has been depicted as a lithe teenager on the verge of manhood.
Moana is a sea-loving, strong-willed wayfarer. Though she has moments of self-doubt, she has great pride in who she is, and doesn't back away from new challenges. She approaches new experiences and tasks with the utmost seriousness and will stand her ground to fight for what she values, even when all seems lost.
This movie might inspire children to learn more about Polynesian myths and culture. Additionally, Moana the character is a good role model for girls as she shows leadership skills, strength and independence. Moana isn't suitable for children under the age of 8 years.
People just want someone to believe in them. Someone who sees all their faults, all their masks, all their “problems,” and doesn't even think twice, but only sees them for how beautiful they truly are. But, becasue deep down they don't think they're worthy of that type of recognition, they put a mask on.
Te Fiti, a powerful and benevolent deity in Polynesian mythology, possessed a heart that symbolized the power of creation. According to legend, Te Fiti used her heart to weave the islands of the Pacific Ocean, filling the world with life and beauty.
Te Fiti's heart, a small pounamu stone, possessed the power to create life and raise islands. But it also attracted monsters who tried to steal it for its creative power. It was stolen by the demigod Maui, who planned to give it to humanity as a gift. After he stole it, the island was enveloped in darkness.
It is the image of women's mysteries, or of journeying to the deep secrets hidden within the self and the world. Pink conch shells are actually a symbol of the woman's sex organs, emphasizing that good-girl Moana will not be tempted by sex but only by the heart.
Did you know that Disney's 2016 film Moana is based on a Polynesian legend? Moana-Nui-Ka-Lehua was a Polynesian water goddess/mermaid, who resided in the ocean between the two islands Hawaiian islands of K'aui and O'ahu.
With a creation story like that, it's obvious why Hawaiians see the makau symbol as so special. But the fish hook symbol doesn't only represent Maui's greatest catch, but it also symbolizes the connection between humans and the ocean. The hook also brings prosperity, good luck, and strength to all who wear the symbol.
The analysis shows that Moana is portrayed as a character who possesses both masculine and feminine traits; the masculine traits, however, are more dominant that the feminine ones. This indicates that the film tends to go against gender stereotyping by portraying a complexity of traits within the main character.
Rachel House reprised her role in the Māori version of Moana, and took over the direction of the dubbing. In many European countries, the name of the titular character, Moana, was changed to Vaiana due to a trademark conflict. The film was released in those countries to bear the alternative name in the title.
Moana is the chief's daughter and successor. She is a brave and determined girl who, encouraged by her grandmother's words, dares to cross the reef and begin a journey to return Te Fiti's heart to her. Maui is a demigod who owes his power to his magic hook and the ability to shapeshift into different animals.
Over forty designs were proposed for Moana's necklace. The final appearance was chosen to represent Moana's ties to both the land and sea. The stars on the necklace represent Moana's identity as a navigator.
Moana standing up for herself empowers girls to speak their mind and show others that their words are powerful and influential. It is so important for children to see that Moana stands for something far greater than a typical Disney princess, she represents independence, diligence, and strength.
Moana heads out to sea despite her father's warnings to never cross the protective reef. Moana struggles to learn sailing and getting past her home reef. This is foreshadowing to her learning the path of wayfinding. Once Moana proves success in her travels, her people begin traveling once again.
Moana struggles throughout the film with this central question “Who Am I?” This is a question many of us ask ourselves and when we are distant from the answer, it can fill us with anxiety.
