Laulima - Unity
A collection based on different ʻōlelo noʻeau (Hawaiian proverbs) showing the importance of laulima (unity).
01
Huli ka lima i lalo.
Turn the hands down.
Usually in reference to the land, this ʻōlelo nōʻeau tells us that in order to live and be sustained, one needs to turn the hands and work on the land. This is an important lesson, but there is a limit to how much work one can do. There needs to be balance in our communities. ʻIke aku, ʻike mai, kōkua aku, kōkua mai, pelā no ka nohona ʻohana. Recognize others, be recognized, help others, receive help, such is a family relationship. Those who have their hands turned up and are always taking will not live well, but the same goes for those who always have their hands down. Thereʻs only so much one can give, and it is important to know ourselves and understand when we need to turn our hands over.
02
Hoʻomoe wai kāhi ke kāoʻo.
Let all travel together as water flowing in one direction.
Water is life, and it is constantly flowing. Wai is the source of life, and it is not something we can do without. In this piece, hands are used to represent flowing water. Like the hands which face one direction, and the water that constantly flows, let us be unified and work together.
03
He aliʻi ka ʻāina; he kauā ke kanaka.
Land is chief and man its servant.
Hoʻohōkūkalani and Wākea came together, from their union came Hāloanakalaukapalili. He was stillborn and burried near their house, and from his body grew kalo. Hoʻohōkūkalani and Wākea had another child who became the first human. He was named after his older brother. The relationship between Hāloanakalaukapalili, kalo, and Hāloa, human, is a guide for us today. The land is chief, humans its servants. Through serving the land, the land sustains us. Kōkua aku, kōkua mai. The hands surrounding Hāloanakalaukapalili represent this relationship. This balance is so important in our lives and communities so that we may have peace and prosperity.
04
E waikāhi ka pono i mānalo.
It is well to be united in thought so that all may have peace.
Waikāhi means unity in thought, but also ‘of one dye’. This ʻōlelo nōʻeau brings to mind the dying of hula skirts with ʻōlena (turmeric). The same type of dye is used and sometimes even the same pākini (bucket), but the skirts each end up a little different. In hula, the dancers are all different people, but when together as a hālau, they tell one story. Each individual is different and unique, bringing different things to the community. When we are united in thought, we have peace and harmony. ʻOlena (turmeric) also has healing properties. It helps with ear infections, reduces inflammation, and helps the immune system. ʻŌlena is also associated with Haumea, the goddess of fertility and childbirth and one of the most revered gods in Hawaiian religion. Haumea is part of every woman, connected to a woman’s womb and her ability to carry and birth a child.
