Kanaka Thinking: Family Traits and Reputation

Ku i ka welo.

Fits into the family behavior pattern.  Puku'i 1870

Whether good or bad, one's behavior is judged by the family he belongs to.

"O wai kou inoa?"  What is your name?  Who do you belong to?  Knowing family connections is an important part of Hawaiian networking.  Keeping the family reputation honorable is very important.  One's alliance with a family known for its honor, integrity, or talent can be beneficial.  

When an individual does something noteworthy, the whole family can celebrate and share in the joy.  When an individual does something dishonorable, the whole family shares the shame.  There are times when children are named after a beloved or honored relative.  The desire is often that the child will carry on the attributes of the relative.  If the child indeed does well and serves as a credit to his/her kupuna, people will say that he is blessed by that relative.  If the child goes astray and brings dishonor to the name, there is much sadness.  In these days of nuclear families, the ties to family are fragile.  Many young people have lost sight that their names represent their history for the generations before them and after them.  

Live a good life and bring honor to your name.