Aumakua Kau Essay
He ‘Aumakua Kau ?
“Do you have an ‘Aumakua ?”
Living in Hawaii while being native Hawaiian has an almost precedented expectation to know each and every niche of the culture. This expectation is anticipated upon a full or part native Hawaiian individual by either another full or part native Hawaiian, people from out of state, or even people from out of the country. Little do these people know, it is not always an automatic obligation for someone to know their culture. For example, the Hawaiian culture has many customs but little to no Hawaiians are aware of every custom known to the Hawaiian culture. Even though not all Hawaiians know every aspect of their culture, knowing their ‘aumakua is important. People of Hawaii are often familiar with the term “‘aumakua”, but they are unaware of its purpose, or it’s relationship and importance to their family and ancestors.
‘Aumakua are animals said to be a relative or ancestor of a family. These animals offer many qualities and services to a family and is said to “.. [have] died and come back in a different …show more content…
It is said that ‘aumakua may often “…discipline their family members if there is wrong doing.” (Kumuahi 6) Some form of “discipline” may include punishments like “illness [which] is sometimes believed to be a form of punishment sent by an ‘aumakua.” (Kumukahi 6) This illness could be a temporary punishment until the family members wrong doing is undone, forgiven or fixed in anyway. If not, it could most definitely be a permanent punishment till the persons death. The Hawaiian people used to look upon their ‘aumakua in much respect because they believed “it is through [their] ‘aumakua, that [they] sustain a practical connection with [their] ancestors.” (Kumukahi 6) So “to be in the good graces of [their] ‘aumakua is [an] important.” duty to
“Do you have an ‘Aumakua ?”
Living in Hawaii while being native Hawaiian has an almost precedented expectation to know each and every niche of the culture. This expectation is anticipated upon a full or part native Hawaiian individual by either another full or part native Hawaiian, people from out of state, or even people from out of the country. Little do these people know, it is not always an automatic obligation for someone to know their culture. For example, the Hawaiian culture has many customs but little to no Hawaiians are aware of every custom known to the Hawaiian culture. Even though not all Hawaiians know every aspect of their culture, knowing their ‘aumakua is important. People of Hawaii are often familiar with the term “‘aumakua”, but they are unaware of its purpose, or it’s relationship and importance to their family and ancestors.
‘Aumakua are animals said to be a relative or ancestor of a family. These animals offer many qualities and services to a family and is said to “.. [have] died and come back in a different …show more content…
It is said that ‘aumakua may often “…discipline their family members if there is wrong doing.” (Kumuahi 6) Some form of “discipline” may include punishments like “illness [which] is sometimes believed to be a form of punishment sent by an ‘aumakua.” (Kumukahi 6) This illness could be a temporary punishment until the family members wrong doing is undone, forgiven or fixed in anyway. If not, it could most definitely be a permanent punishment till the persons death. The Hawaiian people used to look upon their ‘aumakua in much respect because they believed “it is through [their] ‘aumakua, that [they] sustain a practical connection with [their] ancestors.” (Kumukahi 6) So “to be in the good graces of [their] ‘aumakua is [an] important.” duty to