In Hawaiian mythology, an 'aumakua is a family god, often a deified ancestor, that takes the form of an animal. If ones chosen 'aumakua appears, it is regarded as a good omen. Many legends tell of an 'aumakua manifesting itself to save a descendant from harm.
The gecko is my 'aumakua. The grayish, almost camouflaged gecko pictured below is one of the friendly fellows that visits my lanai during the day, and chirps away at night.
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| Common House Gecko Known as Hemidactylus frenatus, this common house gecko arrived in Hawai'i from Asia sometime around World War II. Aside from bringing good luck, the gecko eats roaches and mosquitoes. While it takes both a male and a female common gecko to reproduce, the mourning gecko (of which only the female inhabits the islands of Hawaii) clones itself. (Yes, Dr. Malcom, life does find a way.) Although more popular forms of 'aumakua among Hawaiians are the crow, turtle, shark, owl, and hawk, I've chosen the gecko as my 'aumakua for two reasons. First, because I am a kama'aina (a word describing Hawaii residents regardless of their racial background, whereas kanaka describes a person of Native Hawaiian ancestry), I felt that choosing a more traditional Hawaiian form would be an imposition. Second, the gecko is considered good luck to have in the home, almost a blessing, which is a revered practice in Hawaii. Actually, there is a third reason: Geckos are just so darned cute.***** |
LOL! Gekoes bring good luck here in Italy too. Adn yes, they are super cute!
ReplyDelete@JazzFeathers
The Old Shelter - The Great War
Interesting to hear that geckos bring good luck in Italy also, Jazz. Busy little buggers.
DeleteI too love geckos. If I were to choose an ‘aumakuya it would have to be a bird, possibly a cardinal.
DeleteCardinal is an interesting choice, Wendy. As with the gecko, if you see a red cardinal in your dreams this is considered a good omen and usually associated with good fortune. Thanks for visiting today.
DeleteIt makes sense to pick an animal that just appeals to you. Presumably that means it really does have some connection for you. I like geckos, too.
ReplyDeleteBlack and White: A for Atlantis
I agree, Anne, having some connection would make the choice more appropriate.
DeleteFascinating. I think my aumakua is a bright green frog.
ReplyDeleteI'm covering Jethro Tull songs for A2Z:
https://tao-talk.com/2021/04/01/a2z-2021-jethro-tull-songs-day-1-aqualung-from-aqualung-1971/
Excellent choice, Jade. Our Hawaii Fiction Writers recently published Kissing Frogs, an anthology of fractured fairy tales, so frogs have a special meaning for me these days also.
ReplyDeleteI've learned some new things here today and yes Geckos certainly are cute! We have lots of them here in Florida but I never knew they were thought to be good luck. I'll see them in a whole new light now :)
ReplyDeleteThey're definitely smaller than the alligators you have in Florida, Martha.
DeleteMy wife would undoubtedly disagree with you about geckos as she is terrified of reptiles--irrationally so I would say. If they eat roaches and mosquitos then I'm all for them.
ReplyDeleteArlee Bird
Tossing It Out
That's how I feel about yucky cockroaches, Arlee.
DeleteWhat an interesting piece. The only time I get to see geckos is when I'm on my travels abroad. I'd love one as a pet!
ReplyDeleteWhat's nice is they feed themselves, Keith, and find their own way inside and back outdoors.
DeleteVery interesting! The 'aumakua sound very fun and useful!
ReplyDeleteNow if only they'd be potty trained!
DeleteHe is cute! Good start!
ReplyDeleteThank you, John, and thanks for visiting. Only 25 more letters to go! See you through the alphabet.
DeleteGeckos are adorable ☺️
ReplyDeleteAnd the babies are so tiny they look like a piece of thread scooting across the wall.
DeleteThey are cute! :) And I love this concept. Also, the self-cloning geckos. Fascinating.
ReplyDeleteHappy A to Z! :)
The Multicolored Diary
Thanks. I'm looking forward to reading your alphabet posts also.
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