Papa ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi: Nā ʻŌlelo Noʻeau K2
October 28th, 2014 by kaaarona
Hā‘ule i ka hope wa‘a.
Translation: Left in the aft of the canoe.
Interpretation: Said of one who comes last or is tardy.
Application:
◊ This saying is very straightforward in ridiculing individuals who arrive last or tardy to an engagement, thereby encouraging all to be punctual.
◊ This proverb also helps to debunk the myth that “Hawaiian time” means arriving late and that it is an acceptable behavior.
Reference: Pukui, ‘Ōlelo No‘eau: Hawaiian Proverbs and Poetical Sayings, #489, p. 58
‘A‘ohe ‘auwa‘a pa‘a i ka hālau i ka mālie.
Translation: No canoes remain in the sheds in calm weather.
Interpretation: Everybody goes fishing in good weather. Also used when people turn out in great numbers to share in work or play.
Application:
◊ This ‘ōlelo no‘eau stresses the importance of collaborative work in a group (e.g. family, community, nation).
◊ The ‘auwa‘a lawai‘a, or fishing fleet, is a traditional example of a collaborative effort, where individual fishing canoes work jointly to feed the whole community.
Reference: Pukui, ‘Ōlelo No‘eau: Hawaiian Proverbs and Poetical Sayings, #129, p. 17
Komo mai kāu māpuna hoe.
Translation: Put in your dip of the paddle
Interpretation: Pitch in.
Application:
◊ Like a canoe paddling crew, all group members are called to join in a singular task so that each individual burden may become lighter.
Reference: Pukui, ‘Ōlelo No‘eau: Hawaiian Proverbs and Poetical Sayings, #1836, p. 198
E ho‘i ka wa‘a; mai ho‘opa‘a aku i ka ‘ino.
Translation: Make the canoe go back; do not insist on heading into a storm.
Interpretation: A plea not to do something or associate with someone that will lead to serious trouble.
Application:
◊ As an individual, it is important to be very selective of your friends and acquaintances, because associating with the wrong crowd can lead to trouble.
◊ This saying also alludes to the responsibility of a leader, like a navigator, to ensure the safety and protection of all under his/her care.
Reference: Pukui, ‘Ōlelo No‘eau: Hawaiian Proverbs and Poetical Sayings, #286, p. 36
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