One common theme is nature. Many of the spirits in these stories are closely related to natural elements like water (as in the case of the Mo'o), volcanoes (Pele). Another theme is respect for ancestors and the old ways. For example, the Night Marchers are a reminder of the ancient Hawaiian warriors, and their presence demands respect.
Revenge is also a theme. If a person wrongs a spirit, like stealing from Pele by taking volcanic rocks, the spirit will seek revenge. This shows that there are rules in the Hawaiian spiritual world and if you break them, there are consequences. Additionally, transformation is a theme. The Mo'o can transform from a lizard - like creature to a beautiful woman, adding an element of mystery to the stories.
The concept of a spiritual hierarchy is present too. There are powerful deities like Pele, and then there are other spirits. People are expected to be aware of their place in relation to these spirits. The stories often serve as a way to teach Hawaiians about their cultural values, such as respecting nature and the spiritual realm, and not being overly greedy or disrespectful.
Many Hawaiian ghost stories feature a tragic event in the past. It could be a death, a lost love, or a great injustice. For instance, the story of the drowned girl on the beach is centered around her tragic death. Also, there is often an element of warning in these stories. They serve as a reminder to respect Hawaiian traditions and the land. If you don't, you might encounter the ghosts or face some sort of misfortune.
A lot of Hawaiian kid stories have the theme of respect. Respect for the elders, respect for nature, and respect for the cultural traditions. For example, stories might tell of kids who listen to their grandparents' advice and are rewarded for it. There is also the theme of community. Stories show how kids interact with their neighbors and friends in the village, working together and sharing with each other.
One common theme is the presence of spirits. For example, the night marchers, which are believed to be the ghosts of ancient Hawaiian warriors. They are said to march at night, and if you encounter them, it's considered very unlucky. Another theme could be the power of the land and sea. There are stories of sea monsters or vengeful spirits that live in the ocean, and on land, there might be haunted places like old battlefields or burial sites.
One common theme is revenge. Ghosts often return to seek revenge on those who wronged them in life. For example, in many stories, a murdered person may come back as a ghost to punish the murderer.
One common theme is revenge. Ghosts in these stories often come back to take revenge on those who wronged them during their lifetimes. For example, if a person was unjustly killed, their spirit might return as a ghost to haunt the killer.
One common theme is revenge. Many ghosts in these stories are seeking revenge for some wrong done to them when they were alive.
A common theme is the connection between the living and the dead. The stories often show how the actions of the living can affect the spirits of the dead. Another theme is the idea of karma, that bad deeds will be punished, even in the afterlife as shown through the hauntings in the stories.
Another theme is the sense of mystery and the unknown. In 'The Signal - man', the ghost's appearance and the message it seems to convey are shrouded in mystery, leaving the reader as clueless as the signal - man. These stories often play on our fear of the things we can't understand.
The theme of mystery is also common. The ghosts in these stories are often described in a way that creates an air of mystery. For example, the Nkauj Ntxhais Ntug's appearance in the forest is sudden and unexpected. People don't really know why she appears to some and not others. This mystery adds to the allure and fear associated with these old Hmong ghost stories.
One common theme is the idea of restless spirits. Many stories feature spirits that are unable to move on to the afterlife due to some unfinished business or unjust death.