Polynesians in Taiwan originally belonged to the indigenous cultures of their motherland in Polynesia. People of this aboriginal group are generally segregated into four historical ages, on the basis of the progress in their culture. Polynesians belonging to all the four distinct historical eras inhabited Taiwan in different times.
Originally Southeast Asian through genetic connection, the early Polynesians in Taiwan loved adventurous expeditions like seafaring and navigation. In fact, these people seemed to have both efficiency and expertise in nautical skills. They colonized the unsettled island of Taiwan or Formosa through journeys on lengthy canoes, sometimes against the wind and tidal directions. They rarely lost their ways on the endless waters of the sea, as the sun, stars, flying patterns of birds and reflections of cloud guided their ways back to the Taiwanese island.
Remaining on the Taiwan mainland for ages, the Polynesians had molded and adapted themselves with the native culture and traditional practices of the country. However, there are a handful of their own customs and practices that form integral parts of Polynesian culture. Their institution of marriage was very strong. The judicial and financial systems they started in Taiwan during their reign, along with the commercial customs were highly developed. During their reign in Taiwan, religion, weather forecasts, agriculture, fishing, navigation and canoe construction were considered to be excellent skills.
Polynesians in Taiwan lived in small groups in villages and hamlets. Earning their livelihood mainly through agricultural activities, they were generally peace-loving lots, who preferred to enjoy the natural surroundings utmost.
