Cultural practices

Definition

Cultural practices refer to the shared behaviors, traditions, customs, and rituals that characterize a specific group or community. These practices often embody the values and beliefs of the culture, influencing social interactions and community identity, particularly in relation to land and heritage.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cultural practices in Hawaiian communities often emphasize respect for 'aina (land) and the connection between people and their environment, highlighting sustainability and stewardship.
2. Traditional cultural practices include hula, chanting (oli), and storytelling, which serve to pass down history and values from one generation to the next.
3. The Hawaiian Homes Commission Act was designed to promote native Hawaiian cultural practices by providing homesteads that encourage traditional lifestyles connected to land use.
4. Ceremonial practices, like ho'olaulea (celebration), play a crucial role in reinforcing community ties and celebrating Hawaiian identity.
5. Cultural practices are essential for fostering resilience among native Hawaiians, as they help maintain cultural identity amid ongoing challenges like colonization and globalization.

Review Questions

• How do cultural practices contribute to the identity of Hawaiian communities in relation to their homelands?
  • Cultural practices play a vital role in shaping the identity of Hawaiian communities by reinforcing their connection to the land. These practices, such as farming, fishing, and traditional ceremonies, are deeply tied to 'aina and are essential for maintaining cultural heritage. By engaging in these activities, community members express their identity, values, and responsibilities toward their environment, ensuring the continuation of their traditions for future generations.
• In what ways did the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act impact cultural practices among native Hawaiians?
  • The Hawaiian Homes Commission Act significantly influenced cultural practices by providing native Hawaiians with access to land for homesteading. This access allowed families to engage in traditional agricultural practices and maintain subsistence lifestyles connected to their heritage. The act aimed to support the revitalization of Hawaiian culture by encouraging the preservation of language, customs, and community gatherings on these lands.
• Evaluate how the preservation of cultural practices can be seen as a form of resistance against colonial influences in Hawaii.
  • The preservation of cultural practices serves as a powerful form of resistance against colonial influences by affirming native Hawaiian identity and autonomy. As colonization sought to erase traditional ways of life, maintaining these practices allows communities to reclaim their narrative and assert their presence in a modern context. Engaging in cultural rituals not only strengthens community bonds but also fosters pride in heritage, pushing back against historical marginalization while promoting resilience amid ongoing challenges from globalization and cultural homogenization.

Related terms

Kuleana:

A Hawaiian term meaning 'responsibility' or 'privilege,' reflecting the rights and duties related to land use and stewardship.

Ohana: A Hawaiian word that means 'family' in an extended sense, including blood relatives and those who are close to the family, emphasizing the importance of community bonds.

Hoʻokupu: Offerings or gifts given as a sign of respect or gratitude within Hawaiian culture, often linked to cultural practices surrounding important ceremonies and gatherings.