In the Hawaiian language, aloha means affection, peace, compassion, and mercy. It derives from the Proto-Polynesian root *qarofa, and ultimately from Proto-Polynesian, and it has cognates in other Polynesian languages, such as Samoan alofa and Māori aroha, also meaning "love." Since the middle of the 19th century, it also has come to be used as an English greeting to say goodbye and hello. Today, aloha kakahiaka is the phrase for "good morning." Keiki is Hawaiian for "baby" or "child", literally "the little one".
Aloha Spirit is considered a state "law." Although the word law sounds too strong and strict, Aloha Spirit is not such a type of law that will get you in trouble if you break it. Its main purpose is to serve as a reminder to government officials while they perform their duties to treat people with deep care and respect, just like their ancestors did. Aloha Spirit is more a lesson than a law. By learning and applying this lesson to real life, government officials can contribute to a better world, a world filled with aloha.
About the stamps
The first stamp, depicting Spicebush Swallowtail, is part of a definitive series with butterflies, about which I wrote here. About the second stamp, Neon Celebrate!, I wrote here.
References
Aloha - Wikipedia
The Meaning of Aloha - To Hawaii
Sender: Denise
Sent from Greenvale (New York / United States), on 26.03.2014
Photo: Veronica Carmona
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