What it currently lacks in cultural purity, as a consequence of long association with foreigners, is partly compensated for by 200-plus years of contact and recorded observations.
The female breasts were not covered. Very young children went uncovered. A young male was permitted to wear a malo only after he began to live in the hale mua (“men’s house”), usually between the ages of 4 and 6. Once the pubic hair began to grow, the genitals were covered, reportedly out of respect for the piko ma‘i (genitals) and to protect the organs that gave progeny.
A tapa robe might be added for protection against the cold or sun. The genitals were considered holy and were appreciated as being good. They were treated with respect and worship, and ostensibly, they were covered for protection, not shame.
These were times when Hawaiians embraced the most sacred place on the human body. They saw genitals as great ornaments. Holy, even. They were regarded with such reverence that there are still sites around Hawaii where they can be seen carved into the rock. The reason? They were said to be totems that enhanced fertility when visited.
Genitals were regarded so fondly on the islands that Hawaiians even took to naming their own, and publicly chanting them. Songs were sung, dances were performed in their honor, all to celebrate the spiritual power, also known as mana, Hawaiians believed resided within.
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