The ancient Hawaiians believed that as we slept, our soul would leave our body through our tear ducts, embark on a journey, and upon their return, would bring back wisdom and important information for us to live by.Hawaiian Legends of Dreams by Caren Loebel-Fried is a beautiful book detailing nine important Hawaiian legends, all of them involving dreams.
Loebel-Fried explains the beliefs of the early Hawaiians, how their dreams were of the utmost importance, for they believed that dreams were a vital link to the world of their departed ancestors. These ancestors, although gone from this world, were considered to be essential in guiding those still on earth in every facet of life.
Some dreams were even interpreted as prophetic, provided inspiration, cures for illnesses, and there was heavy reliance on dreams on how to conduct one's day to day life.
In this meticulously researched book, Loebel-Fried beautifully describes the legends, each a story on its own, filled with the wonderful symbolism of a culture has an obviously symbiotic relationship with nature.
It is a peek into old Hawaii, the people, their thinking, their beliefs, and their way of life.
The artwork in the book is all done by Loebel-Fried herself. The gorgeous ancient block-printing technique that she has mastered is the perfect accompaniment to the already vivid images that are evoked in the text.
If you are interested in Hawaiian culture, its legends and history, this book is a must read. One feels as if they are stepping back in time, and taking part in the passing down of stories from generation to generation.
For more information on this author and her work, please visit:
www.carenloebelfried
