Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ‘Āina i ka Pono facts for kids
Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ‘Āina i ka Pono is the official state motto of Hawaii. In the Hawaiian language, this powerful phrase means "The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness." It's a very important saying that tells us how Hawaii believes its land and people will thrive.
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Understanding Hawaii's Motto
Hawaii's state motto, "Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ‘Āina i ka Pono," is more than just words. It's a deep message about how a land and its people can survive and grow strong. It means that for the land to live on, and for its people to be free and happy, there must be fairness and good actions. This idea of "righteousness" is key to the motto's meaning.
The Story Behind the Motto
The motto was first spoken by Kamehameha III, who was the King of Hawaii. This happened on July 31, 1843. It was a very special day for the Hawaiian Kingdom. The motto came from a difficult time in Hawaii's history.
A Time of Trouble
In February 1843, a British naval officer named Lord George Paulet took control of Hawaii. He did this without proper orders from his government. For about five months, the Hawaiian Kingdom was under British rule. This was a very worrying time for the Hawaiian people and their king. They feared losing their independence.
A Kingdom Restored
Thankfully, another British officer, Admiral Richard Thomas, arrived in July 1843. He understood that Lord Paulet's actions were wrong. Admiral Thomas officially gave Hawaii back its independence. This happened on July 31, 1843, at a ceremony in Honolulu. King Kamehameha III was very happy and relieved. He spoke the famous words, "Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ‘Āina i ka Pono," to celebrate the return of his kingdom.
What Does "Righteousness" Mean?
In the motto, "righteousness" (pono) means more than just being good. It includes ideas like:
- Justice: Treating everyone fairly.
- Balance: Keeping things in harmony.
- Goodness: Doing what is right.
- Order: Having things work properly.
- Morality: Following good rules and values.
The king believed that if the leaders and people of Hawaii acted with these values, their land and way of life would continue forever. It was a promise to govern with fairness and care.
Why This Motto Matters Today
Even today, "Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ‘Āina i ka Pono" is very important to the people of Hawaii. It reminds everyone of Hawaii's unique history. It also shows the strong connection between the land and its people. The motto encourages everyone to act with fairness and respect. It teaches that the well-being of the land and its future depend on good actions and decisions. It is a powerful symbol of Hawaiian identity and values.
