Many are preserved today. The people bathed and frolicked in the sea or stream after midnight, then put on their finest kapa and ornaments for feasting and games. Green ti leaves are believed to afford protection from spirits and to purify a menstruating woman. Hawaiian dance with spiritual origins. Naming has strong spiritual significance, often connected with a dream or vision.
Babies are carefully and meaningfully named, and their names are alterable over time.
Often, names described personality or physical characteristics, social standing, unique skills or aptitudes, and aspirations. The bones of the dead, considered the most cherished possession, were hidden, and hence there are many figurative expressions with iwi , meaning life, old age. Your own land of birth. Lit., spirit priest. May the descendants be cared for in times of light and times of misfortune.