Why were actions such as stepping over a person’s legs considered disrespectful in many Polynesian societies?

In many Polynesian societies, stepping over a person’s legs is considered disrespectful because of the cultural belief in mana, a sacred supernatural power believed to reside in all things, including people.1

Polynesian belief systems emphasized that mana could be diminished or nullified by certain human actions, which were often governed by tapu (prohibitions or taboos). Stepping over a person’s legs, passing a hand over someone’s head, or positioning one's head higher than that of a person of high rank were actions believed to sap that individual's mana. Because mana was central to an individual's status and spiritual well-being, these behaviors were viewed as significant violations that could lead to negative consequences, such as bad luck or illness.1