Ho'ihi . . . Respect

Aloha kakahiaka e nā hoa pepeiao!

One of the protocols we observe in our culture is hō'ihi, respect, especially for our elders. When we look a little deeper we realize that the word hō'ihi comes from the root word, 'ihi, which means sacred, holy, majestic, dignified; treated with reverence. In pule Ke Akua is often referred to as ka 'ihi'ihi. Hō'ihi is an important Hawaiian value. It is exemplified in our interactions with each other. We teach our keiki to hō'ihi their elders, to be respectful of adults, teachers and leaders in our community. We teach them to show hō'ihi for each other in school, on the playground, at home. We make sure they understand the importance of showing hō'ihi to their kūpuna. The worst thing that we could see is a child disrespecting a kūpuna. Even as adults we understand that kūpuna are treated with hō'ihi and are revered. We never correct a kūpuna, even if we think we know better. When a kūpuna is in the room we are on our best behavior and we are aware of his or her needs. Why? Because they have earned that respect. When we think about our world today hō'ihi is often missing. Sometimes it seems that we have forgotten the importance of being polite, respectful and thoughtful. So, today, our challenge is to be more mindful of our behaviors and to show more respect for each other and most importantly kūpuna.

Aloha nō, a hui hou!
Luana