What do sharks represent in Hawaii?

As illustrated in ethnographer Martha Warren Beckwith’s account Hawaiian Shark Aumakua: “[Sharks] are, in fact, regarded as spirits of half-human beings which, rendered strong by prayer and sacrifice, take up their abode in some shark body and act as supernatural counselors to their kin, who accordingly honor them as …

What does aumakua mean in Hawaiian?

: a Hawaiian personal and family god.

How many aumakua are there?

That Hawaiians knew many of their ‘aumakua by name well into the 20th century (Mary Kawena Püku’i learned the names of 50 ‘aumakua as a child) is evidence that the acceptance of Christianity did not force the abandonment of ‘aumakua beliefs. 4 The explanation is found in the words of Christian doctrine.

What is the name of the Hawaiian shark god?

Ukupanipo–
In Hawaiian mythology, one key player of the seas was Ukupanipo–a shark god who played a big role in the success (or failure) of anglers on the water. Take a look at today’s blog to learn about this eccentric fixture of Hawaiian mythology!

Which is the best example of an aumakua?

“An ‘aumakua was actually a dead ancestor’s spirit that was deified into an entity,” explained Maxwell. “Could be clouds or trees or animals.”. But the best known of the ‘aumakua seems to be the shark.

How did the aumakua shark get its name?

“‘Aumakua are identified very specifically by body markings, and are named. They are part of the family. There is a direct connection, a blood relationship.”. William Aila Jr., a Wai’anae fisherman for most of his 42 years, compared the relationship to the feelings a person might have for his elders.

What does an ʻaumakua mean in Hawaiian mythology?

An ʻaumakua is an ancestor that has died and has come back in a different form. An ʻaumakua usually helps, inspires, guides, and communicates with members of the family. ʻAumākua are known to take on the forms of animals, plants, and other natural phenomena.

What kind of animal does an aumakua manifest as?

An ‘aumakua may manifest as a shark, owl, bird, octopus, or inanimate objects such as plants or rocks. Some families had many ʻaumākua. Mary Kawena Pukui ‘s family had at least fifty known ʻaumākua. ‘Aumākua could appear as: