What forms of worship were used for Polynesian gods?

In traditional Polynesian culture, worship was a multifaceted practice deeply integrated into daily life, reflecting a worldview where spiritual beings—ranging from great gods like Tangaroa, Tu, and Lono to deified ancestors—required specific forms of veneration.1

Worship of these deities involved several elaborate practices, often preceded by periods of fasting and abstinence. Key forms of worship included:1

• Sacrifices: Offerings were a central component of religious rites, and in some contexts, these included human sacrifice.12
• Chants and Recitations: Sacred songs and chants were performed, requiring precise pronunciation, as errors were considered major violations of tapu (prohibitions) that could result in severe penalties.1
• Feasting: Ceremonies often featured large-scale, extravagant feasts.12
• Ritual Sex: These practices were specifically employed to promote fertility.1
• Possession: Polynesian religion was characterized by ecstatic experiences, where possession by gods or spirits allowed inspired individuals, such as priests and healers, to act as intermediaries.3

These rituals were frequently tied to significant life milestones, such as the birth of a high-status child or the investiture of a chief, and were essential for maintaining the sacred balance of mana within the community.12