Traditionally, survival techniques were ones passed down by mākua and kūpuna. Teaching keiki traditional behaviors and family kuleana is critical to survival of the 'ohana and lāhui. - Photo: Jupiter Images

Remember the mana'o
of our kūpuna

By Claire Ku'uleilani Hughes, Ph.D., R.D.

Hawaiians have survived for hundreds of years, even thousands, if you count the earliest of the ancestors who departed Southeast Asia as early as 1600 B.C. This survival occurred, in part, because of our ancestors' respect for life and because they understood what was needed to sustain health and life, and then they actually did those things. Our kūpuna understood human anatomy and were able to treat a number of illnesses with traditional medicine, including herbs, lomilomi and prayer. Early Hawaiians worked hard to assure the appropriate foods to meet dietary needs of the 'ohana, i.e., kalo, 'uala, i'a, and numerous green vegetables. And, importantly, the ancestors took special care to train their families to maintain good health practices. We need to remember our kūpuna's traditional knowledge and perseverance to restore health to the lāhui.

Among traditional practices was the special attention and care provided to expectant and new mothers, as well as to each child born into the 'ohana. Kūpuna prepared a nutrient-rich prenatal diet that would produce a healthy child. And elders assured that expectant mothers were content and occupied with preparation of necessities to welcome their newborn. Children were viewed as gifts and valuable links in the family chain of heredity. And, entire 'ohana was involved in preparations to welcome the child and the gifts he would bring from the kūpuna. It was the kuleana of mākua and kūpuna to teach keiki about family traditions, their genealogy and expectations as they became part of the 'ohana.

The kuleana of mākua and kūpuna have grown. Traditionally, kuleana included assuring shelter, meals, basic clothing, routine health care, as well as teaching, comforting and nurturing the keiki. A new responsibility is helping children navigate new challenges to their health, helping them to establish lifelong preventive health practices. Major lessons today must include avoiding dietary excesses, particularly fatty foods, fast food, fries and chips, as well as soda, sweetened fruit drinks and sweets. Another lesson includes establishing a daily physical activity regimen to burn calories, offsetting today's sedentary lifestyle. Reorienting health to the forefront for the 'ohana is essential to avoid common health problems and to extend the years without pills and pain.

Hawaiian mākua, kūpuna and keiki face great and constant societal change. Today, keiki have more freedoms, and want more than previous generations. And, the dominant society places youngsters in the central focus of family activities, which is different from traditional ways. In addition, mākua feel pressures related to accommodating all the "wants" of their keiki, such as cell phones, computer games and faddish hairstyles, clothing and cars. Separating "needs" from "wants" is always a challenge, but keiki can understand the difference.

How do we teach all of this? We teach by example. Modeling behavior is our traditional teaching method, so educate by being a positive adult role model. Share how you chose between a "want" and "need." A good place to start is with establishing family mealtimes, so sharing is possible. Also, improve the nutrients eaten by adding to your family's diet lots of vegetables (including traditional 'uala, kalo and poi), fruit, low-fat protein and milk foods, and whole grain cereals and starchy foods. Replace costly soda and sweet drinks with low-fat milk and water at mealtimes. Daily exercise needs to be a family commitment (mākua and kūpuna need it too). Schools may not always provide physical education and activity as they once did, so it is a family kuleana.

Traditionally, Kanaka Maoli had kuleana that burned calories. Current housecleaning, patio cleaning and yard work, which are keiki kuleana, are no comparison for kalo farming, building with stone, building canoes, etc., of ancient times. Traditionally older siblings had kuleana for caring for younger keiki and assuring their work was done properly and that they were always safe. They learned and taught striving for excellence. They even fed younger children and cleaned up after the little ones. Hawaiian keiki may still have regular kitchen duties, such as cooking the rice and preparing some foods (salads and fruit) for family meals. And, children may continue to do the family laundry, washing, drying and folding, even ironing. In days past, keiki were also trained to assure the comfort of adult visitors in their home, serving food and beverages and clearing away dishes. Around adults, Hawaiian keiki were attentive to adult needs and were quietly efficient about carrying out their kuleana.

All keiki must be taught what their traditional kuleana includes and be gently guided to perform that kuleana. This means that adults must be alert and participate too. Traditionally, survival techniques were ones passed down by mākua and kūpuna. Teaching keiki traditional behaviors and family kuleana is critical to survival of the 'ohana and lāhui. Examples abound in our memories. Perpetuate the lāhui by teaching and modeling healthy lifestyles in the 'ohana. Perpetuate Kanaka Maoli traditions. It is our kuleana.