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Hānai (HAH-nye)

Through acts of hānai, life is nourished and cared for with love and responsibility.

Literal meaning: to feed; to nourish

Cultural meaning:
In Hawaiian culture, hānai refers to the practice of caring for and raising someone else's child as one's own. The tradition reflects the understanding that family and responsibility extend beyond biological ties, emphasizing generosity, community support, and shared care.

The word itself comes from the act of feeding and nourishing, symbolizing the deeper idea of nurturing life so it can grow and thrive. Through hānai, relationships are formed through love, care, and responsibility rather than bloodline alone.