![]() | What are some cultural connections? |
Traditionally, knowledge was passed down from one generation to the other through storytelling, chanting, singing, and dancing. Often times, the subject was about the native surroundings, which demonstrated the people’s connection to the land, sea, and sky. Environmental management practices and sustainability efforts were taught to the next generation to ensure that there will be resources for the future. Each culture in our Network has a different name for a storyteller. In Hawaii a story teller is called haʻi moʻolelo, in Samoan he or she is a fai fagogo, and a storyteller is a taotao Estorian in Chamorro.
We continue to use traditional legends and stories to help us think about how we are connected to the natural world today. When we are more aware of our surroundings, we better understand how we impact the natural world and what we can do to protect corals and reduce the impacts of climate change.
*There are numerous versions of the following stories. Here are just a few.
![A Hawaiian legend about two star-crossed lovers illustrates how Pacific islanders observe the connections between land and sea. The Princess Naupaka fell in love with a commoner who was a fisherman. Due to Hawaiian tradition, they could not marry. Before they were separated, Naupaka took a flower and broke it in half. She returned to the mountains, and her love went to the shore. This legend explains why the naupaka has a half flower. One found high on the mountains and the other grows near the sea. naupaka flower](/images/naupaka2.jpg)
![Hawaiians have a creation story that tells of PapahÄnaumoku and WÄkea, where PapahÄnaumoku is earth mother and WÄkea is sky father. Their relationship results in the birth of several Hawaiian Islands such as HawaiÊ»i Island, Maui, KahoÊ»olawe, KauaÊ»i, and NiÊ»ihau. The peak of Mauna Kea is culturally significant because this is where the earth meets the sky, where PapahÄnaumoku and WÄkea can be together. For more information read a translation of the kumulipo at https://www.sacred-texts.com/pac/lku/. Mauna Kea](/images/mauna_kea.jpg)
I erensia, linaÊ»laÊ», espiritu-ta — Chamorro proverb | Our heritage gives life to our spirit. |