aumakua(hawaiian)
The Hawaiian word for protector or one who protects is "kahu."
I know a little from living here and hearing people speak. Guardian, well that reminds me of Aumakua, which is like God and spirit, who watches over you. Aumakua can be a protector animal, some Hawaiians have a Shark as an Aumakua. I don't want to misrepresent this, but this is what I think of from my understanding, should confirm with a Hawaiian, as that is not my culture or language....but I wanted to add since not very many people speak or Hawaiian, and its very special to know these beautiful things. I love how it sounds when Hawaiian is spoken.
Strength and protection.Shark teeth tattoos usually meant that the shark was a family protector, family god or 'aumakua. The Hawaiian people were very superstitious and believed you were NOT to say what kind of shark as it could be used against you. (reefannie)
In Hawaiian culture, the shark symbolizes strength, protection, and guidance. Sharks are seen as spiritual protectors, embodying the qualities of fearlessness and adaptability. They are also believed to have the ability to guide and support individuals in times of trouble or transition.
The Ulukau on-line Hawai'ian to English Dictionary suggests 3 principal meanings:"1. nvt. Family or personal gods, deified ancestors who might assume the shape of sharks (all islands except Kauaʻi), owls (as at Mānoa, O'ahu and Kaʻū and Puna, Hawaiʻi), hawks (Hawaiʻi), ʻelepaio, ʻiwi, mudhens, octopuses, eels, mice, rats, dogs, caterpillars, rocks, cowries, clouds, or plants. A symbiotic relationship existed; mortals did not harm or eat ʻaumākua (they fed sharks), and ʻaumākua warned and reprimanded mortals in dreams, visions, and calls. (Beckwith, 1970, pp. 124-43, 559; Nānā 38.) Fig.., a trustworthy person. (Probably lit.., ʻau 4, group, + makua, parent.) See pulapula 2. hō.ʻau.makua To acquire or contact ʻaumākua."2. vt. To offer grace to ʻaumākua before eating; to bless in the name of ʻaumākua. ʻAuhea ʻoe, ē ke kanaka o ke akua, eia kā kāua wahi ʻai, ua loaʻa maila mai ka pō mai ka pō mai; no laila nāu e ʻaumakua mai i ka ʻai a kāua (prayer), hearken, O man who serves the god, here is food for you [lit.., our food], received from the night, so bless our food in the name of the ʻaumakua."3. vt. To ask someone to hula; the request was not refused without giving the caller a lei or flower. ʻAumakua iā Kamuela, Samuel must dance!"The Hawai'ian language is not only highly contextual (meaning words will take on different meanings depending on what the intention or action is, as definition #3 suggests) but also compound (meaning any given word may be made up of two or more words that, taken together, produce an entirely separate meaning that from a standpoint of Hawai'ian linguistic logic is a connotation of the compounded words - note the "Prob lit." explanation at the end of #1 showing the word is probably a compounding of the word 'au and the word makua -- even the symbol ' ahead of au has significance).
Be active in life.Attune to natural instinct.Be propelled forward (do not regress) in your evolution.Although surrounded by emotions, you need not be consumed by them.Swim the path of least resistance in life, be efficient and direct in your navigations.
The culture of Hawaii has its origins in the traditional culture of the Native Hawaiians. As Hawaiʻi has become a home to many different ethnic groups in the last 200 years, each ethnic group has added elements of its own culture to local life. Today, contemporary culture in Hawaii is a mix of the different cultures and ethnic groups that make up its unique population. In museums in Hawaiʻi today, there are relics from Kamehameha I's reign. Notably, there are feather cloaks. Historically, red was a color of holy, innate power, and yellow was a color of secular, political power. During Kamehameha I's reign, as Kamehameha proceeded to conquer and unite most of what is now Hawaii, yellow came to replace red as the more desirable color. East Hawaii Cultural Center is operated by the East Hawai'i Cultural Council to represent cultural, creative and traditional arts in Hawaii. Lono - traditional god of agriculture and providence Ku - aggressor god, symbol of Kamehameha Aumakua - family totems The culture of the native people of Hawai'i, called Hawai'ians, who are Polynesian in origin.