Aumakua

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In Hawaiian mythology, an ʻaumakua (pronounced /aʻməʻkuːə/ in English, enPR: ouʹmä-kōōʹä; often spelled aumakua or 'aumakua) was a family god, often a deified ancestor. The plural of ʻaumakua is nā ʻaumākua (/ˈnɑːʻaʻʻmʻːkuːə/, näʹou-mäʹkōō-ä), although in English the plural is usually ʻaumakuas. Nā ʻaumākua frequently manifested as animals such as sharks or owls. Nā ʻʻumākua were worshipped at localities (often rocks) where they were believed to "dwell". The appearance of an animal one regarded as an ʻaumakua was often believed to be an omen (of good or ill). There are also many stories of nā ʻaumākua (in animal form) intervening to save their descendants from harm. It was extremely bad luck to harm a manifested ʻaumakua.

[edit] Manifestations

Traditionally, the hawk (ʻio) is regarded as the special ʻaumākua for the aliʻi (nobility). Consequently, to see a hawk flying overhead was considered a good omen for nobles, and harming one was very bad luck.

Nā ʻaumākua were thus animals, places or rocks, and people. Ancient Hawaiians would have seen no contradiction in a powerful spirit being able to appear as all three, switching from form to form as convenient -- as is indeed seen in many stories of gods and demi-gods.

From "http://www.geocities.com/TheTropics/Shores/6794/o-sacred.html" A symbiotic relationship exists between person and ʻaumākua, the personal guardians of each individual and their family and the ancient source gods from whom Hawaiians were descended.

ʻAumākua can manifest in nature. The form varies family to family. Whatever its form, the ʻaumākua is one specific shark, owl, etc. However, all members of the species are treated with respect of family members.

If family ʻaumākua, these manifestations were not harmed or eaten; in turn, ʻaumākua warned and reprimanded in dreams, visions, and calls.

"ʻAumākua are intimate members of the human family, spiritual relationships with them are especially close and their presence is sought for feast and festivity, as well as in time of crisis. They act as healers and advisors, counteracting troubles and punishing faults." -J. Gutmanis

ʻAumākua could appear as:

• pueo, owl (as at Manoa, Oahu, Kau and Puna)
• manō, shark (all islands except Kauai)
• ʻio, hawk (at Hawaii Island)
• ʻelepaio, flycatcher (also the goddess of canoe makers)
• ʻiʻiwi/ʻiwi, scarlet honeycreeper (whose feathers were used extensively in featherwork)
• ‘alae ‘ula^[1], mudhen (whose cry was considered a bad omen)
• heʻe, octopus (though commonly translated as squid)
• puhi, eel
• ʻiole liʻiliʻi, mouse
• ʻiole, rat
• ʻīlio, dog
• moʻo, lizard (or any reptile)
• peʻelua/ʻenuhe/nuhe/ʻanuhe/poko, caterpillar
• pōhaku, rock
• leho, cowry
• ao, cloud
• mea kanu, plant

[edit] Other uses

ʻAumākua is also the name of an online gaming clan.

[edit] References