The Lihi
The features of the lihi
In the Andrews Hawaiian dictionary, it defines the lihi as the rainbow itself.[1] This term is perhaps not specific to type of rainbow. Therefore, it seems that the definition is pointing to a feature of a rainbow. Namely, the texture, the color gradient, the fuzziness, the brightness, etc. Therefore, there perhaps is no specific trait associated with the lihi. Furthermore, the examples that were found in the sources for this project, the reduplicated version, lihilihi, was often used.
na Hoaloha Westcott
The strata that the lihi appear
The lihi appear in the same strata as the other arching rainbows. Namely, the lewa lani, the lewa nuʻu, and part of the lewa lani lewa.
The times that the lihi appear
The lihi appear at the same times as the other arching rainbows.
The signs/omens of the lihi
Three different signs/omens were found for the lihi in the analyzed sources. Namely, A rainbow path to the moon, sky, cliffs, or afterlife. The contentment of the gods as a result of a sacrifice or prayer, and the residence of a ruler/monarch/extraordinary being or spirt.
Translation Key
Examples of the signs/omens for the lihi are not available in English at this time. Refer to the Hawaiian side of the website for the examples.
[1] n.d. Wehewehe Wikiwiki. Ke Kulanui o Hawaiʻi ma Hilo. https://hilo.hawaii.edu/wehe/.
na Kelly Headrick | Dreamstime.com