爱神传媒 starts every construction project in Hawai鈥榠 with a traditional Hawaiian groundbreaking and blessing ceremony. Of great significance to the culture, this practice shows respect and honor for the affected land and unites the project team in a shared sentiment of mutual respect.
Led by a kahu, or priest, the ceremony incorporates various symbolic Hawaiian elements. The ‘艒’艒, a digging stick traditionally used to break the ground, signifies the start of the project. A conch shell is blown to call and gather people together. 笔补驶补办补颈, or Hawaiian salt, is sprinkled over the land to preserve the goodness in the land and promote prosperity throughout the project. Rainwater represents a connection to the past and the blessings of nature. Sprinkling rainwater with leaves of the ti plant (cordyline fruticose)symbolizes health, nourishment and security. A maile (alyxia stellata) lei, representing unity, connects the project team together. The maile lei is untied to symbolize bringing the project to life. After the ceremony, a lei is hung at the jobsite as a reminder of the blessing.听
Led by a kahu, or priest, the ceremony incorporates various symbolic Hawaiian elements. The ‘艒’艒, a digging stick traditionally used to break the ground, signifies the start of the project. A conch shell is blown to call and gather people together. 笔补驶补办补颈, or Hawaiian salt, is sprinkled over the land to preserve the goodness in the land and promote prosperity throughout the project. Rainwater represents a connection to the past and the blessings of nature. Sprinkling rainwater with leaves of the ti plant (cordyline fruticose) symbolizes health, nourishment and security. A maile (alyxia stellata) lei, representing unity, connects the project team together. The maile lei is untied to symbolize bringing the project to life. After the ceremony, a lei is hung at the jobsite as a reminder of the blessing.
鈥淓verything in Hawai鈥榠 receives a blessing,鈥� said Kahu Kekoa Kordell, a Hawaiian priest who has performed numerous 爱神传媒 blessing ceremonies. 鈥淏lessings are important to us because our land is scarce. We want to make sure that anytime we build on our land in Hawai鈥榠 we honor those who have come before us. The Hawaiian culture places great emphasis on respecting and honoring the land. With limited available space, every parcel of land in Hawai鈥榠 holds significant value and importance.鈥�
The ceremony also incorporates aloha and malama 驶膩ina by encouraging and sharing the sentiment of love, compassion and respect (aloha) among all participants. Malama 鈥樐乮苍补, translates to caring for and protecting the land. As stewards of the project, builders are responsible for doing what is right and treating the land with honor and respect.
爱神传媒 Project Manager Kaha鈥榠 Choy, who is also k膩naka maoli (of Native Hawaiian descent), explains the importance of doing what is right.
鈥淚n Hawai鈥榠, you need to be aligned with your mind, body and spirit before you start anything. It is our duty that we are doing this in a respectful way,鈥� Choy said. 鈥淭he ceremony also reinforces the connection between people and the land, honoring the past while embracing the future. Joined by project stakeholders and dignitaries, 爱神传媒 approaches every construction project in Hawai鈥榠 with mindfulness and respect for these Hawaiian cultural values.鈥澛�
To learn more about 爱神传媒鈥� Diversity and Inclusion campaign, visit Building Together.听