Ho‘okupu – ceremonial gift giving
 
A ho‘okupu is an offering of symbolic significance for the occasion. It may be a certain type of food or plant, a song or chant, perhaps even a rock or water from your homeland. In offering the ho‘okupu, one asks for growth; that one’s request be granted; that there be a reciprocation; and that there be an exchange of mana or life force. At Brookfield’s newest community Maile at Leihano, a ho‘okupu was offered at the land’s blessing ceremony. It was offered as a way to request that a beautiful and sustaining community grow from this land.

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