kānāwai

Hawaiian

Etymology

Leaves of the kī (Cordyline fruticosa) plant used in sacred ceremonies, such as packaging for offerings to deities.[1][2] Often interpreted (folk etymology) as kā +‎ nā +‎ wai “holding waters” or ”of the waters”

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /kaː.naːˈwai̯/, [kaː.naːˈʋɐj], [kaː.naːˈʋɛj] (rapid speech)

Noun

kānāwai

  1. code, law, statute, act
    Mamuli o ke kānāwai ― According to law
  2. rule, commandment (also used in a religious context)
    Nā Kānāwai he ʻUmi ― The Ten Commandments

Derived terms

References

  1. ^ Pukui, Mary Kawena, Elbert, Samuel H. (1986) “kānāwai”, in Hawaiian Dictionary, revised & enlarged edition, Honolulu, HI: University of Hawai'i Press, →ISBN, pages 127-8
  2. ^ Green, Laura C., Beckwith, Martha Warren (January 1926) “Hawaiian Customs and Beliefs Relating to Sickness and Death”, in American Anthropologist, volume 28, number 1, pages 202-3

References

  • "kānāwai" in Nā Puke Wehewehe ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi'
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