Hawaiian

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__Gods, Origins and Ancestors__ //The Hawaiians acknowledged many gods and supreme beings on various levels, representing every object, facet of life, and aspect of nature.// //Kane-the father of living creatures// //Ku- the God of war// //Kanaloa- God of land of departed spirits// //Lono- God of growing things// //Kane, Ku and Lono are considered to have created the heavens, earth, moon, starts, spirits, mankind- everything in existence.// //Kanaloa was said to have revolted after refusing to act as a servant of mankind and is now the ruler of the underworld//

The ancestors of the ancient Hawaiian culture kept no written records. Other than petroglyphs, they knew no written language. Because of this, many records of ancient Hawaiian life are gone. Oli- Chants used to memorize and record history of the land and the lineage of the aristocracy. As authentic records, they were used as proof in times that this was needed.

Ancestors told legends about heroes or heroines that are the secret offspring of a royal chief. They often overcome their enemies by having great skill in fighting, games, or riddling. Other protagonists have been portrayed as demigods, able to change shape. (Many times, they are cared for by relatives other than their parents).

__Human Relationships With the Natural World__
The hawiians depened on the natural world around them to provide them with everything they needed to live. Food, shelter, water, clothing, etc. Because of this the traditional religion of Hawaii taught that there should be a great level of respect for the land around them. This was referred to as Aloha Aina or love of the land. =﻿__Sacred Times, Practices, and Space__=

One of the most important practices of the traditional Hawaiian religion is Kapu Akua or the law of the gods. To break Kapu Akua brought severe punishment to the offender. Mana is spirtual energy infused in most people and things. It is believed that chiefs have more than others while untouchables also known as Kuaw had none. Kuaw are required to live apart from everyone so that their lack of mana wouldn’t drain others people’s away. A commonly known practice from the Hawaiian religion is Hula. Hula dancing was one of the few ways history was preserved. Stories of history, mythology, and morality were told through songs, chants and their accompanying dances. Some examples of these dances include the Dance for the Chief or the Dance with Bamboo Pipes. Hula dancing was also a form of prayer. The prayers and chants acknowledge divine spirits within all people and the things around them. There is a time of the year that is especially sacred. Makahiki is a four-month ceremony honoring the return of the god Lono to Hawaii. During the period there is to be no work and all war is haulted. There are festivals, harvests, taxes, games, and various sports. Makahiki is one of the most important practices of the Hawaiian religion. Within the traditional Hawaiian religion there are seven seven princliples or basic assumptions. Ike-The world is what you think it is. Kala-There are no limits. Makia-Energy flows where attention goes. Manawa-Now is the moment of power. Aloha-To love is to be happy. Mana-All power comes from within. Pono-Effectivness is the measure of truth. These are the basis of the religion.

The God Lono. Hula Dancers.

__** Works Cited **__
“Hawaiian Legends.” Native Hawaii//. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Sept. 2010. .//

“Religion and Expressive Culture.” Everyculture.com//. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Sept. 2010.// // Gardner, Brian. “The Religions and Superstitions of Hawaii.” //I Search Hawii//. Wordpress, 2008. Web. 16 Sept. 2010.//  Gardner, Brian. “The Religions and Superstitions of Hawaii.” //I Search Hawii//. Wordpress, 2008. Web. 16 Sept. 2010.  God Lono. N.d. //Hawaiian Discovery//. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Sept. 2010. .  “Got Religion?” //Hawaii Guide//. IIWINC, 2010. Web. 16 Sept. 2010.  Guanson, Lou Ann. “Hawiian Spirtual Traditions.” //Lucky U Live Hawaii//. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Sept. 2010.  //Hawaii//. N.d. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Sept. 2010. .  Hula Dancers. N.d. //Jane’s Oceania//. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Sept. 2010. .  Kahili King, Serge. “Huna Kupua.” //Aloha International//. N.p., 2001. Web. 26 Sept. 2010.  Molloy, Michael. //Experiencing the World’s Religions//. 2nd ed. 1999. Mountain View: Mayfield, 2001. Print.