Submitted by Ryan Cromer on the 2020 winter session study abroad program in Hawaii sponsored by College of Education and Human Development…
During our visit to Volcanoes National Park, a Park Ranger brought us to a holy place in the volcano. Thousands of years ago, Native Hawaiians etched petroglyphs into the lava rock. The meaning of the symbols vary from spirit guides to representations of birth. Typically, Native Hawaiians would come here, etch a symbol into the lava rock and ask Pele (the volcano goddess) for blessings and guardianship. When a child was born, they would carve a circle into the rock and plant the umbilical cord so that the child would forever be connected to the earth. This was a place of celebration, dedication and spiritual guidance. Being able to come here, witness hundreds of petroglyphs, and understand the significance behind the symbols was very moving. This is a place for people to reconnect with their ancestors and create their own history. I learned just how precious and divine the earth was and continually is to Native Hawaiians.