The touching of foreheads, called honi, is an important part of Hawaiian culture. When two people press their foreheads together, it is a meaningful gesture that expresses unity, understanding, and connection. Honi is used as a greeting, a symbol of love, an expression of forgiveness, and a way to seal an agreement. The significance behind honi runs deep in the traditions and values of Native Hawaiians.
The Origins and History of Honi
Honi dates back centuries in Hawaiian culture. It was first used as a traditional greeting when ancient Polynesians arrived by canoe to populate the Hawaiian Islands. Pressing foreheads together allowed the newcomers and existing residents to get acquainted in a spirit of peace and goodwill. The honi was also believed to transfer the ha, or breath of life, from one person to another. Sharing this sacred breath created an intimate bond and signified the melding of spirits.
As Hawaiian society developed, honi continued to be used in important moments. When agreements were made between ali’i (chiefs), they would seal the deal with honi to breathe life into their decisions. The healing practice of lomi lomi massage also incorporated honi to pass vital energy between the healer and recipient. Pressing foreheads was a sign of devotion between lovers and an expression of deep affection between parents and children. Honi endures as a symbol of connection in Hawaiian culture today.
Common Practices and Meanings of Honi
Honi is still regularly practiced in Hawaii for hellos, goodbyes, and other significant interactions. Here are some typical uses and what they represent:
- Greeting – When two people honi upon meeting, it conveys a warm welcome and creates an instant bond.
- Farewell – Pressing foreheads together is a way to say goodbye while maintaining the connection.
- Forgiveness – Honi demonstrates letting go of past hurts and establishing mutual understanding.
- Love – Lovers may exchange honi to physically connect in an intimate, spiritual way.
- Agreement – The honi seals important decisions and promises between two parties.
- Gratitude – Honi expresses deep appreciation for acts of kindness, generosity, and support.
- Healing – Therapeutic honi passes positive energy to improve a person’s wellbeing.
Though honi often occurs between two people, it may also be performed in groups. At the start of a family gathering, for instance, everyone may take turns sharing honi. An elder may initiate a group honi at the beginning of a ceremony. Pressing foreheads in a circle helps unify the individuals as one.
The Significance and Meaning Behind Honi
On the surface, honi may look like simply a different cultural way of interacting. But the tradition is packed with philosophical importance for Hawaiians. Here are some of the key symbolic meanings behind pressing foreheads:
- Unity – Two people become one in thought and spirit when they share honi. It brings people together in perfect harmony.
- Understanding – Looking into someone’s eyes as you touch foreheads promotes empathy and compassion.
- Respect – Honi honors the mana, or divine power, that exists in each person.
- Connection – The physical connection of foreheads represents an intimate, spiritual bond.
- Balance – The gesture aligns two people’s energy into peaceful equilibrium.
- Breath of life – Sharing the ha, or breath, signifies a mingling of sacred souls.
Thus, honi is much more profound than just a simple greeting in Hawaiian culture. It strengthens relationships, builds community, and transfers spiritual energy in a uniquely Hawaiian way.
The Protocol and Etiquette of Honi
To properly practice honi, there is some protocol and etiquette to follow:
- Wait for an invitation – Only initiate honi if the other person opens their arms first.
- Make eye contact – Look into their eyes as you come together to increase intimacy.
- Gently lean in – Move slowly and gracefully, not rushed.
- Breathe deeply – Consciously share breath as your foreheads meet.
- Linger briefly – Stay connected for a few seconds to savor the closeness.
- Separate softly – Ease back gently to disconnect.
- Sometimes, a hug or kiss on the cheek follows honi to seal the exchange.
Being patient and moving gently allows time to find the proper alignment. The forehead contact itself should be light, not pressed too firmly. Quietly focusing on your breathing helps create a meditative state. Done correctly, honi is profoundly peaceful and spiritual.
Who Can Receive Honi and When is it Appropriate?
Traditionally, honi was usually exchanged only with loved ones and close acquaintances. Pressing foreheads was considered an intimate gesture reserved for family, romantic partners, and old friends. Between unrelated strangers or casual acquaintances, a handshake or verbal greeting may be more suitable.
However, contemporary Hawaiian culture has popularized honi as a universal display of aloha, or love. It is now common when meeting someone for the first time or saying goodbye to a visitor. Tourists staying at a Hawaiian hotel may be welcomed with a honi from staff. Even political leaders now offer honi during public appearances.
Still, reading social cues is important before initiating physical contact. Open arms and a smile signal permission for honi. If someone seems uncomfortable or unsure, a verbal greeting gives them space. Asking “honi?” provides the opportunity to consent. Honi remains a special act, so discretion helps maintain its significance.
Honi in Hawaiian Legends and Lore
Honi appears in many Hawaiian myths, legends, songs, and chants as a symbol of devotion. The story of Hi’iaka, sister of the volcano goddess Pele, includes a famous honi scene. After Hi’iaka journeys to retrieve her sister’s lover Lohiau, the star-crossed pair press foreheads upon their emotional reunion. Honi sealed their sacred bond after lengthy separation.
One popular legend tells of two ill-fated lovers, Ka’auhelemoa and Kaua’i’ikiahulu. Forbidden to marry by their families, the couple instead touched foreheads under a lehua tree before jumping into the sea. The lehua flowers represent their sacrifice by having reddish coloring from that day forward.
Many Hawaiian mele (songs) use “Aloha mai kau i ka honi” as a refrain. This means “Greet me with a kiss” and refers to the Hawaiian tradition of honi. The lines appear in works dating back to the 19th century and underscore honi’s lasting significance in the culture. Even the Hawaiian word for kiss, honi, comes from the same root word.
Interesting Facts About Honi
- In the past, chiefs would honor high-ranking visitors by touching the top of their own forehead to the visitor’s lower forehead or chest area.
- Before honi, early Polynesians would press noses together in a similar gesture called hongi.
- Children and close family members frequently use honi multiple times when greeting or parting.
- In Hindu culture, the similar practice of sanikalpa translates as “intention” or “solemn vow.”
- Some Hawaiian families have honi “rules” – like no honi after surfing until you rinse off!
- President Barack Obama was pictured sharing honi with Senator Daniel Akaka upon Akaka’s retirement in 2012.
The Continuing Significance of the Honi Tradition
The honi remains a hallmark of Hawaiian society that locals appreciate and visitors find intriguing. Its essence captures core aspects of Hawaiian heritage – unity, compassion, respect, spirituality, and connection. Though honi has evolved over time, it still plays an integral role in ceremonies, events, and daily interactions.
For outsiders, witnessing honi firsthand provides a window into the values that underpin native culture. The opportunity to participate in honi offers a profound way to absorb some of Hawaii’s magical mana. This simple yet powerful act binds the past and present while perpetuating Hawaiian identity.
So the next time you see two people in Hawaii gently lean in to touch foreheads, know you are observing a tradition full of deep meaning. Honi keeps Hawaiian heritage alive by reminding us all that we are one human family sharing the spirit of aloha.
Conclusion
Honi, the Hawaiian tradition of touching foreheads, represents an intimate connection of two souls. It brings people together in unity and understanding, sealing agreements, displaying love, offering forgiveness, and promoting healing through the sharing of ha breath. Honi is practiced respectfully between friends and loved ones during greetings, farewells, and other meaningful interactions. This simple yet profound gesture symbolizes core Hawaiian principles of compassion, spirituality, and harmony.