Introduction
Understanding Traditional Hawaiian Spirituality
The land, *
Genealogy links humans, gods, plants, seas and islands.
To be retained
Four essential principles
- The land, *
- Before the 19th century, the "kapu" system organized social, political and ritual relations.
- *aumākua* are divinized ancestors or family guardians who can manifest themselves through certain animal or natural forms.
- spirituality, genealogy and protection of the earth are one responsibility.
Small timeline
A tradition shaped by history
Origins and training
Before the 19th century, the "kapu" system organized social, political and ritual relations.
Historical developments
Its abolition in 1819 preceded the massive arrival of Christian missions.
Ritual life and teachings
*aumākua* are divinized ancestors or family guardians who can manifest themselves through certain animal or natural forms.
A living and plural tradition
The Hawaiian monarchy, then its overthrow and annexation of the United States, transformed the institutions.
History and development
Before the 19th century, the "kapu" system organized social, political and ritual relations, and its abolition in 1819 preceded the massive arrival of Christian missions.
The Hawaiian monarchy, then its overthrow and annexation of the United States, transformed institutions. The cultural renewal of the twentieth century has revitalized the language, navigation, hula and defence of sacred sites.
Worldview, beliefs and practices
*Aumākua* are divinized ancestors or family guardians who can manifest themselves through certain animal or natural forms. *Ho‘oponopono* is traditionally a family process of restoring relationships, directed with prayer, speech and reparation; simplified commercial versions are removed.
The hula can be prayer, historical memory and offering, not just show.
Texts, symbols and transmission
*Kumulipo*, great song of creation and genealogy, stories of Pele and Hi
The modern word "Huna" refers primarily to an esoteric system of the twentieth century and should not replace the Hawaiian tradition.
What research can and cannot say
The study of ecological knowledge and navigation shows their great precision, without validating all supernatural interpretations. Cultural sovereignty remains central.
References