Gods of the Hawaiians Essay - 1874 Words

The Hawaiian Islands are well known for their beauty, tranquility, and unique culture that have shaped this state into what we see today. The special bond that the natives have formed between themselves and nature is not exactly one of a kind, but it is something that can truly be admired. Around approximately 300 AD, Hawaii was discovered by Polynesians who arrived by canoe from Tahiti. These migrants brought their polytheistic spirituality and formed a large intricate society with hierarchies consisting of many chiefs. Alongside the ruling of the chiefs, the newborn Hawaiians followed a strict belief system known as Kapu akua otherwise known as the â€Å"law of the gods†. The Kapu was a strict set of rules and restraints that dictated all†¦show more content†¦The strict Kapu made everyday Hawaiian life extremely difficult to live. Offenders were often punished severely with either corporal punishment or sacrificed to honor the gods. If the offense was great enoug h, on occasion, the family of the offender was also sentenced to death. Although, punishment to defectors was harsh, they often had a chance to redeem themselves. It is said that those who offended could flee to a city of refuge where they had a ritual performed by shamans in order to clean oneself of sin and escape death. Ancient Hawaiians worshipped many gods and demi-gods. The main god known as Kane, represented life and nature while Ku, represented death and war. According to the Kumuhonua Legend: he [Kane] formed the three worlds: the upper heaven of the gods, the lower heaven above the earth and the earth itself as a garden for mankind; the latter he furnished with sea creatures, plants, and animals and fashioned men and women to inhabit it (Beckwith). It was believed that each family had its own personal god to protect them. Personal gods were thought to live vicariously through the animals that surrounded the islands such as the shark or pig. Through these very same animals , it was also believed that families could communicate with the spirits of the deceased. Many temples known as Heiaus as well as other methods were created in order to worship theShow MoreRelatedNative Hawaiians And Native Americans1440 Words   |  6 PagesWhen Native Hawaiians welcomed Captain Cook and his crew, they began a journey that would lead to the crumbling of Hawaiian culture. After Captain Cook, missionaries continued to travel to Hawaii to, in their opinion, help the Hawaiian people. Native Hawaiians were viewed as savages and were seemingly given the best assistance from the missionaries. However, the help that the Hawaiians received led to them being demoralized and hurt psychologically and physiologically. In order to succeed, underdogsRead MoreColors Of The Wind : Polynesian Style1418 Words   |  6 Pagesspirituality of the ancient Hawaiian religion can be found all over the island, infusing its peoples with their stories and energy. It is as if the island is alive itself; wherever you go, you can always feel the boost of energy that the Gods are giving off. Religion is an integral aspect of Hawaiian life, permeating every day activities and important events such as birth, marriage, and death. Early Hawaiians believe that nature and shaped events were manifestations and acts of the Gods. Similar to the AncientRead MoreHawaiian Culture and Music793 Words   |  4 PagesHawaiian is unique among the fifty states, especially in regards to its native music form, which is still preformed, and captivates audiences even today. Hawaiian chanting, music, and dance are not only key parts of life on the island, but have also become cultural icons as well as profound symbols of nature and religion in Hawaii. Hawaii has a rich history, beginning with the early settlers from Polynesia who brought their traditions and religions to Hawaii. Over the years, the inhabitants tookRead MoreEssay on American Hawaii1283 Words   |  6 Pageshappy Hawaiian babes hula dancing and palm trees swaying in the warm breeze. Hawaii has still held on to many of their traditions although they were invaded by Americans. But you have to go to a museum to see their old way of life. Hawaii is now populated mostly by Americans. Native Hawaiians have adapted to our American lifestyle and much of their old traditions and beliefs are lost in history books. America dominated over the Hawaiians just as they did with the Native Americans. The Hawaiians didnamp;#8217;tRead More kamehameha the third Essay examples721 Words   |  3 Pageslive in because of the small population, religious freedom, and the equality for all Hawaiians. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;One of the biggest changes was the decrease in population of the native Hawaiians. When Kauikeaouli became king in June 1825, the native population was about 150,000, which is half of the Hawaiian population at the time of Captain Cook’s arrival in 1778. (Mrantz) Prior to 1778, Hawaiians had lived in isolation for a thousand years, practicing an ancient system of health andRead MoreThe Geography of the Hawaiian Islands1381 Words   |  6 PagesMark Twain once described the Hawaiian Islands as â€Å"The loveliest fleet of islands that lies anchored in any ocean†. Hawaii is the most unique of the states of America. To further understand the geography of Hawaii, one must understand how Hawaii was formed, how Hawaii was populated, and understand what Hawaii came to be today. To begin, Hawaii is the longest chain of islands in the world. It was originally formed by a fissure more than 1600 miles long that lies along the floor of the Pacific OceanRead MoreHow Spiritualism Is A Form Of Worship1352 Words   |  6 PagesPolytheism is the belief in many gods. 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Mauna Kea is both the burial ground and the embodiment of the most sacred ancestors. This is whyRead MoreAnalysis Of The Book Marchers Of The Night 1726 Words   |  7 Pageshistorical landmarks. In the book, â€Å"Marchers of the Night† by Helen P. Hoyt, a renowned Hawaiian author, he describes his first experience with the Huaka’ipo, or the Night Marchers. â€Å"In all the hundred years of my life I have seen the Marchers of the Night, the Huaka’ipo, only twice†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Hoyt 1969). He then continues to explain how â€Å"on the night of the sixth of August, 1918, a night sacred to Ku, ancient god of all warriors† the Night Marchers, which their torches and pounding drums came to his houseRead MoreHawaiis Musical Culture And History1712 Words   |  7 Pagesvery interesting things that are present in modern Hawaii. From the causes of musical oppression, fight for independence and revival of Hawaiian culture I will talk about how all of these contributed to the current culture of Hawaiian drum dance. First I will talk about the history and culture of the Hawaiian natives and how this has had its effect on Hawaiian music. In 1778, the first European to come to Hawaii was Captain James Cook. He was a British explorer and discovered Hawaii while he was