- Cynical Indulgence - (Shmeng is not a Gothic site)Mar 29, 2024 - 02:14 AM  
Welcome to  Shmeng
 Home | Articles | Galleries | Forums | Site Info | Web Links | Reviews | Register 
Articles Section

Eye Candy

Who's Online
Currently no members online:)

You are an anonymous user. You can register for free by clicking here
We have 48 guests online !

   User ID:  Pass:        Forgot Password? click here or  Join here
Feature: Kapu
Posted by Devin on Wednesday, February 27, 2002 - 12:02 PM PST

Religion
Foreign words rarely translate well into English. Especially words that refer to things that aren't part of standard western culture. The word that comes to mind today is the Hawaiian word Kapu. The closest word in english to Kapu is taboo. But it's not the same thing at all. Taboos are meant to be tested and have their limits pushed. Kapu is not. (There is no plural of Kapu by the way). When something is Kapu, it's something that you just don't do. Ever. Period. Good examples of things that are Kapu are throwing darts into the air to see how high you can throw them, or pissing on an electric fence. The connotations are usually a bit more religious, but the consequences are usually about the same. Something that invites (instant) karma is Kapu.

An example, for those of you that don't know - taking lava rocks off of a Hawaiian island is Kapu. It's not illegal. It's not socially unacceptable. If you want to take a rock off of an island, put it in your bag. The big Hawaiian DOA person that searches your bag at the airport will see the rock and chuckle, but won't stop you from taking it if that's what you really want to do. When you get back to the mainland, and your world falls apart, your pets (or worse) start dying, your luck is beyond shit, and you start believing the quaint little story the nice old lady told you about how Pele doesn't like people taking her rocks, that's when you are starting to understand the meaning of Kapu. It's easy to fix, Just look up the zip code of a post office on the island you removed the rock from, and mail it to the Postmaster. For those of you who think this is voodoo mumbo jumbo, perhaps you need to climb up on one of the huge piles of rocks outside of most Hawaiian post offices (bet you wondered why those were there), and contimplate it from a different perspective.

Like most good Hawaiian words, Kapu has a bunch of related meanings. There are Kapu signs on some places. They're almost the equivalent of No Tresspassing signs, but not quite. No Tresspassing signs are usually one person's attempt to keep a group of people off of land that they consider to belong to them. Kapu signs (or their stone equivalents) are a group of people's attempt to keep an innocent person from inadvertantly tromping around land that belongs to the gods. It doesn't mean you can't go there. It means if you go there, go there with a purpose and show that you have respect, or don't go there at all. They're almost more like warning labels. They're usually placed near a Heiau (Hawaiian temple), or near burial grounds. North Americans have almost certainly heard stories about people messing with American Indian burial grounds. If these grounds were in Hawaii they would also be Kapu.

You seriously don't want to be pissing off hawaiian gods. The judeo-christain god dishes out fire and brimstone just once, on judgement day - but Pele regularly tosses melted rocks on people who piss her off. And far from being a vague future threat, you can actually go to places where this has happened and walk around on the cold brimstone, and wonder what stupid thing the poor dumb fucker under those rocks did to deserve all this. If I had to choose between crossing two fields, and one had a No Tresspassing sign, and one had a Kapu sign - there would be no contest. I'd much rather go to court than wake up swimming in lava.

Since english has no equivalent word, it's no suprise that most english speakers don't have a similar concept. Some spineless people have almost the same reaction to something that's Taboo as they should have to something that's Kapu, but it's different. It's ok to think about whether it really is wrong to have a few other people in your bed. Sometimes it can be very cathartic to talk about anal sex in front of your grandparents. But it is never ok to fling shmeng at a kid who hasn't flung any at you (even if the kid is 15 and annoys the crap out of you). It's never ok to try to lower someone else's self esteem to boost your own. It's never ok to try and make another person believe what you believe, simply for the purpose of validating your beliefs. These things would be Kapu. More along the lines of the second meaning, it's Kapu to go into someone else's world and fling shmeng at them. It doesn't matter whether that person is a god, or someone who's house you're staying in, or a webmaster. It's also worth noting that the gods (especially Pele) enjoy disguising themselves as regular people to see who respects kapu only when it relates to the gods. People usually have a very short and very unhappy life after running into a god this way and not passing that test.

Notice how the DOA guy searching your bag at the airport will just chuckle and smile at you when they find the rock? Notice how they don't try and make you believe in or even understand hawaiian gods, or try and instill fear to make you leave it behind? If they get a good vibe from you, and think you just don't know better, they might be curteous enuf to tell you that it's Kapu - and if you listen, maybe they'll tell you why - but if you don't want to know, they'll put the rock back in your bag (smiling at the irony), wave you through, and go on to check the next person.

Like all religious writing, this is all completely metaphorical, and those of you who can read both threads of this should be very amused. Those of you who can't, just enjoy the lesson on Kapu and don't worry about it.


Related links
· The Shmeng Cult
· Religion Forums
· More about Religion
· News by Devin


Most read story in Religion:
Pono


Rate article
Average Rating : 5.0
Total ratings : 2

5 star


Kapu | Login/Create an account | 18 Comments
Threshold
Comments are owned by the poster. We aren't responsible for their content.
Re: Kapu
by ickgirl on Feb 27, 2002 - 01:02 PM
(User info | Send a Message) http://www.envy.nu/ickgirl
devin,
i love when you decide it's story time.

even if it you hold me captive for 8 hours and tell me one long story *wink*

and, it goes without saying - the full moon is goth as fuck.


Re: Kapu
by Ironboots on Feb 27, 2002 - 04:34 PM
(User info | Send a Message) http://ranger.vr9.com/Flash.html
That's pretty cool. Being a firm realist and all, I don't believe in it, but I still retain a good common sense: If people warn you, and you can stay away from it, don't tempt fate by doing it anyway.

The world could learn a lot from the Hawaiians.


Re: Kapu
by Rae (darkness_embraced1@yahoo.com)
on Feb 27, 2002 - 06:20 PM
(User info | Send a Message) http://darknessembraced.vibechild.com
Devin, this is truly one of the best parables I have heard since the sermon on the mount. :o)


Re: Kapu
by Shade on Feb 27, 2002 - 06:29 PM
(User info | Send a Message) http://www.hotelshade.com
Here in New Orleans and in other voodoo heavy places it's called 'Bad Mojo', roughly the same translation, but since it's not really an english term I guess it doesn't count


Re: Kapu
by jadedraven (smithsm@alfredstate.edu)
on Feb 27, 2002 - 08:29 PM
(User info | Send a Message)
This remind me a little of one if the witch laws (for lack of a better term due to exaustion right now) you know, whatever you do, be it for good or for harm, it will come back to you threefold" I like to simplify this into a line I heard from some movie, simply
karmas a bitch
before I am going to do something that would be considered "bad" (devin definition number 1 here) this annoying little voice in my head pipes up and says do what you want, but remember, karmas a bitch. Normally, it keep me out of trouble.


props Devin, for the wonderful story, it has been in my mind all night.


Re: Kapu
by gdlke (-)
on Feb 28, 2002 - 12:40 AM
(User info | Send a Message) http://gdlke.tripod.com
There is an english equivalent of what you described. But first let me say that i loved your little lesson.
The english word is "Mores" :1. The accepted traditional customs and usages of a particular social group.
While you are correct in saying that there is difficulty in the translation, I can still say that the concept is similar enough.
Keep up the good work.

Gdlke


  • Re: Kapu by callei on Feb 28, 2002 - 12:55 AM
Re: Kapu
by callei (plyn@plynlymon.com)
on Feb 28, 2002 - 09:36 AM
(User info | Send a Message) http://www.plynlymon.com
This adds a whole new dimension to throwing stones at someone.


Linquistics 101.
by Dolorosa on Mar 01, 2002 - 05:03 AM
(User info | Send a Message)
Neat...now I know a grand total of TWO Hawaiian words...Kapu, and Haole...haole haole haole...I love the silly way that word sounds...right before some giant samoan guy hits you in the head with the smaller japanese guy.
You know, it's easier to grasp what your talking about when you've actually gone out and well...grasped it. My advice! Everybody leave America for awhile and go visitin' the world...then build up massive bad Karma, burn it off at a shinto wish shrine, hide in a tibetan monastary...and uh...where was I? Hrm...
Yay!


Re: Kapu
by KittyGoesMrow on Sep 15, 2003 - 09:11 AM
(User info | Send a Message) http://
inuwindow?
(i think thats how its spelled? :\ )


Re: Kapu
by Anya on Dec 07, 2003 - 10:46 PM
(User info | Send a Message) http://kirashi.envy.nu
Hehe, that's an interesting term and since it's -almost- like taboo, it'll be easy to remember.


Re: Kapu
by KittyGoesMrow on Jul 03, 2004 - 02:26 AM
(User info | Send a Message) http://www.freewebs.com/animosity_photography
I wont be 15 for much longer! :P


 Home | Articles | Galleries | Forums | Site Info | Web Links | Reviews | Register 
All logos and trademarks in this site are property of their respective owner. The comments are property of their posters, the rest © 2001 by VibeChild.com Add shmeng_syn to your Live Journal Friends List. If you have a website check the webmasters section - You can get this site on your Palm Pilot using This link - By using this website, you are agreeing to abide by our Terms of Use. If you are a bot thinking of spamming members, get your email addresses here
Buy Viagra Without Prescription
Buy Vigra Without Prescription
Buy Viarga Without Prescription
Buy Cialis Without Prescription
Buy Clomid Without Prescription
Buy Levitra Without Prescription
Buy Propecia Without Prescription
Buy Kamagra Without Prescription
Buy Accutane Without Prescription
Buy Zithromax Without Prescription
Buy Amoxil Without Prescription
Buy Zovirax Without Prescription
Buy Deltasone Without Prescription
Buy Topamax Without Prescription
Buy Lexapro Without Prescription
Buy Flomax Without Prescription
Buy Flagyl Without Prescription
Buy Synthroid Without Prescription
Buy Inderal Without Prescription
Buy Tenormin Without Prescription
Buy Keflex Without Prescription
Buy Diflucan Without Prescription
Buy Lasix Without Prescription
Buy Celebrex Without Prescription
Buy Doxycycline Without Prescription
Buy Zocor Without Prescription
Buy Premarin Without Prescription
Buy Celexa Without Prescription
Buy Norvasc Without Prescription
Buy Hydrochlorothiazide Without Prescription
Buy Nexium Without Prescription
Buy Cytotec Without Prescription
Buy Misoprostol Without Prescription
Buy Neurontin Without Prescription
Buy Levaquin Without Prescription
Buy Zyprexa Without Prescription
Buy Astelin Without Prescription
Buy Zetia Without Prescription
Buy Diclofenac Without Prescription
Buy Antabuse Without Prescription
Buy Arimidex Without Prescription
Buy Phenergan Without Prescription
Buy Paxil Without Prescription
Buy Differin Without Prescription
Buy Nizoral Without Prescription
Buy Valtrex Without Prescription
Buy Plan B Without Prescription
Buy Fosamax Without Prescription
Buy Diovan Without Prescription
Buy Betapace Without Prescription
Buy Reglan Without Prescription
Buy Rhinocort Without Prescription
Buy Cozaar Without Prescription
Buy Accupril Without Prescription
Buy Septilin Without Prescription
Buy Zyrtec Without Prescription
Buy Aldactone Without Prescription
Buy Benicar Without Prescription
Buy Flonase Without Prescription
Buy Atacand Without Prescription
Buy Hytrin Without Prescription
Buy Ditropan Without Prescription
Buy Rumalaya Without Prescription
Buy Prinivil Without Prescription
Buy Medrol Without Prescription
Buy Revia Without Prescription
Buy Naltrexone Without Prescription
Buy Parlodel Without Prescription
Buy Atrovent Without Prescription
Buy Aciphex Without Prescription
Buy Zelnorm Without Prescription
Buy Motrin Without Prescription
Buy Avandia Without Prescription
Buy Tetracycline Without Prescription
Buy Epivir Without Prescription
Buy Lamisil Without Prescription
Buy Sinequan Without Prescription
Buy Levlen Without Prescription
Buy Levonorgestrel Without Prescription
Buy Anafranil Without Prescription
Buy Seroquel Without Prescription
Buy Acai Without Prescription
Buy Micardis Without Prescription
Buy Aleve Without Prescription
Buy Claritin Without Prescription
Buy Nimotop Without Prescription
Buy Toprol Without Prescription
Buy Colchicine Without Prescription
Buy Cipro Without Prescription
Buy Tofranil Without Prescription
Buy Zanaflex Without Prescription
Buy Tizanidine Without Prescription
Buy Remeron Without Prescription
Buy Cardura Without Prescription
Buy Femara Without Prescription
Buy Provera Without Prescription
Buy Desyrel Without Prescription
Buy Imitrex Without Prescription
Buy Famvir Without Prescription
Buy Clarinex Without Prescription
Buy Buspar Without Prescription
Buy Lotensin Without Prescription
Buy Exelon Without Prescription
Buy Combivent Without Prescription
Buy Ventolin Without Prescription
Buy Diabecon Without Prescription
Buy Cymbalta Without Prescription
Buy Prilosec Without Prescription
Buy Omeprazole Without Prescription
Buy Flovent Without Prescription
Buy Noroxin Without Prescription
Buy Glucotrol Without Prescription
Buy Plavix Without Prescription
Buy Glucophage Without Prescription
Buy Bactrim Without Prescription
Buy Myambutol Without Prescription
Buy Dostinex Without Prescription
Buy Aricept Without Prescription
Buy Actos Without Prescription
Buy Lukol Without Prescription
Buy Rogaine Without Prescription
Buy Ampicillin Without Prescription
Buy Lamictal Without Prescription
Buy Retin Without Prescription
Buy Lipitor Without Prescription
Buy Chloroquine Without Prescription
Buy Arava Without Prescription
Buy Adalat Without Prescription
Buy Strattera Without Prescription
Buy Cleocin Without Prescription
Buy Relafen Without Prescription
Buy Crestor Without Prescription
Buy Maxalt Without Prescription
Buy Singulair Without Prescription
Buy Allegra Without Prescription
Buy Protonix Without Prescription
Buy Vermox Without Prescription
Buy Estrace Without Prescription
Buy Coumadin Without Prescription
Buy Advair Without Prescription
Buy Diamox Without Prescription
Buy Coreg Without Prescription
Buy Avapro Without Prescription
Buy Leukeran Without Prescription
Buy Prevacid Without Prescription
Buy Requip Without Prescription
Buy Zantac Without Prescription
Buy Erythromycin Without Prescription
Buy Zyvox Without Prescription
Buy Prednisolone Without Prescription
Buy Amaryl Without Prescription
Buy Actonel Without Prescription
Buy Evista Without Prescription
Buy Vantin Without Prescription
Buy Starlix Without Prescription
Buy Luvox Without Prescription
Buy Abilify Without Prescription
Buy Depakote Without Prescription
Buy Lozol Without Prescription
Buy Xenical Without Prescription
Buy Lotrisone Without Prescription
Buy Betnovate Without Prescription
Buy Risperdal Without Prescription
Buy Methotrexate Without Prescription
Buy Wellbutrin Without Prescription
Buy Mobic Without Prescription
Buy Altace Without Prescription
Buy Augmentin Without Prescription
Buy Effexor Without Prescription
Buy Nolvadex Without Prescription
Buy Biaxin Without Prescription
Buy Detrol Without Prescription
Buy Zyban Without Prescription
Buy Elavil Without Prescription
Buy Lioresal Without Prescription
Buy Allopurinol Without Prescription
Buy Lanoxin Without Prescription
Viagra pills canadian
Buy cheap viagra online now
Buy viagra usa
Buy viagra online no prescription
Canada viagra generic
Canadian women viagra
Viagra online without a prescription
Overnight viagra
Cheap viagra usa
Cheap viagra 100mg
Cheap viagra onaline
Viagra 50 mg
Cheap viagra no prescription
Best price viagra
Buy cheap online viagra
Viagra canada
Cheapest prices viagra
Generic viagra online
Viagra pfizer online
Viagra pills
Lowest price viagra
Viagra for sale
Canada no prescription viagra
Buy viagra in usa
Viagra generic
How can i buy viagra online
Buy viagra in canada
Buy viagra no prescription
Canadian viagra online
Overnight canadian viagra
Buy viagra online
Female viagra pills
Discount viagra online
Canadian generic viagra
Generic viagra canada
Cheap canadian viagra
Viagra low price
Viagra canada online pharmacy
Buy viagra online now
Viagra price comparison dosage
How get viagra
Generic viagra overnight
Viagra buy online
Generic viagra price
Viagra how fast does it work
Buy discount viagra
Viagra buy viagra online order viagra
Viagra online
Cost viagra online
Viagra in canada
Viagra online deals
Purchase viagra
Purchase viagra overnight delivery
Viagra for women
Cheap viagra now
Buy viagra
Viagra price
Cost of daily viagra
Viagra brand online
Viagra tablet weight
Viagra buy
Buy viagra on line
Viagra paypal
Viagra no prescriptions
Buy viagra online canada
Viagra online canada
Cheap viagra without a prescription
Buy cheap viagra
Viagra delivered overnight
Buy viagra online usa
Viagra soft tabs online
Buy viagra uk
Cheap viagra pills
Viagra drug
Viagra online no prescription
Generic viagra professional
Order generic viagra
Natural viagra
Buy viagra online wthout prescription
original brand viagra
Buy viagra professional
Low price viagra
Best viagra price
Buy cheap canadian viagra
Next day viagra
What is viagra professional
Viagra from canada
Levitra vs viagra
Buy cheap viagra usa
Viagra lowest price
Generic cialis canada
Cialis generic
Cheap canadian cialis
Cialis 100 mg
Cialis low price
Canadian generic cialis
Cialis pills
Best price cialis
Cialis canada online pharmacy
Cheap cialis usa
Buy cialis 20mg
Buy cialis online now
Cialis price comparison dosage
Canadian women cialis
How get cialis
Generic cialis overnight
Cialis buy online
Generic cialis price
Cialis how fast does it work
Buy discount cialis
Cialis buy cialis online order cialis
Cialis online
Cost cialis online
Cialis in canada
Cialis online deals
Buy cialis online no prescription
Purchase cialis
Purchase cialis overnight delivery
Cialis for women
Cheap cialis now
Discount cialis online
Buy cialis
Cialis 5 mg
Cialis 50 mg
Cialis price
Cost of daily cialis
Cialis brand online
Cialis tablet weight
Cialis buy
Buy cialis on line
Cialis paypal
Cialis no prescriptions
Buy cialis online canada
Cialis online canada
Cheap cialis without a prescription
Buy cheap cialis
Cialis delivered overnight
Buy cialis online usa
Cialis soft tabs online
Buy cialis uk
Cheap cialis pills
cialis drug
Cialis online no prescription
Generic cialis professional
Order generic cialis
Natural cialis
Buy cialis online wthout prescription
Buy cheap online cialis
original brand cialis
Buy cialis professional
Low price cialis
Best cialis price
Buy cheap canadian cialis
Next day cialis
What is cialis professional
Cialis from canada
Levitra vs cialis
Buy cheap cialis usa
cialis lowest price
Buy cialis online
Cialis pills canadian
Buy cheap cialis online now
Buy cialis usa
Canada cialis generic
Cialis online without a prescription
Overnight cialis
Cheap cialis onaline
Cheap cialis no prescription
Cialis canada
Cheapest prices cialis
Generic cialis online
Cialis pfizer online
Lowest price cialis
Cialis for sale
Canada no prescription cialis
Buy cialis in usa
How can i buy cialis online
Buy cialis in canada
Buy cialis no prescription
Canadian cialis online
Overnight canadian cialis
Female cialis pills