Typically, as travelers find out, the word aloha means hello and goodbye. This is pretty much like ciao in Italian or salut in French. People in Hawaii use it as a way to greet each other hello, or to wish each other a great morning. It’s also used when they’re parting ways and bidding farewell.
Different historical sources say different things about how the word aloha probably found its way into the Hawaiian language. One of the most common theories states that the word’s origins date back to the eighteenth century, while many official records suggest that the word aloha has its roots in the Proto-Polynesian word qarofa – and while Proto-Polynesian is only a hypothetical language, aloha does bear a strong resemblance to the word aroha, which is a Maori word used in New Zealand with similar meanings and usage.
You may want to look beyond the common usage of the word ‘aloha’ and understand what the spirit of aloha is all about. When you divide the word up and trace it back to its roots, you get a fascinating insight to Hawaiian culture: ‘alo’ means sharing, and ‘oha’ means showing friendship and affection, while ‘ha’ also means the breath of life. So, when you put it all together, aloha, in the deeper sense of the word, means something that is akin to a philosophy of kindness, compassion, and sharing. When you visit or move to Hawaii, you’ll find that many everyday services and buildings have the word aloha in their name, to incorporate the spirit of aloha and what it stands for into everyday life. Hawaiian culture is deep and rich, and singers have written songs on the philosophy of aloha, and books have been written about its place in Hawaiian culture.
Credit : Aloha Shirt Shop
Picture Credit : Google
