One well - known Pacific Islander ghost story is about the Night Marchers in Hawaii. It's said that these are the spirits of ancient Hawaiian warriors. They march at night, and if you encounter them, it's considered very bad luck. People are warned to stay out of their path and not look at them directly.
Another story involves a haunted forest on a Pacific Island. The locals believe that there are spirits of the ancestors in the forest. These spirits protect the forest but can also be vengeful if someone disturbs the natural balance. There have been tales of strange noises and apparitions seen by those who enter the forest without permission, a sign that the spirits are not happy with the intrusion.
Another theme is ancestor worship. Ghosts in these stories are often the spirits of ancestors. They can be either protective or punishing, depending on how the living treat the traditions and the land. It shows the importance of respecting one's heritage in Pacific Islander cultures.
One well - known novel by a Pacific Islander author is 'Once Were Warriors' by Alan Duff. It's a powerful story that delves into the life of a Maori family in New Zealand, dealing with themes like domestic violence, poverty, and cultural identity.
Pacific Islander stories preserve their culture by passing down traditions. For instance, stories about traditional dances and their significance keep the cultural heritage alive. Also, they tell about the unique handicrafts made in the islands, like weaving patterns.
Well, in Pacific Islander fiction, the theme of identity is quite prevalent. Characters often struggle to define themselves within the context of their own culture as well as in relation to the outside world. Additionally, stories might revolve around the impact of colonialism. This could be in the form of how it has affected their way of life, language, and cultural practices. And, of course, the spirit world and mythology play a big role. Many tales draw on the rich spiritual beliefs and mythologies of the Pacific Islands.
One common theme is the connection to nature. Pacific Islanders often tell stories that revolve around the ocean, the land, and the animals that inhabit their islands. Another theme is family and community. These stories might tell of the relationships within a tribe or family, and how they work together. Also, many stories have a spiritual aspect, with gods and spirits playing important roles in the tales.
'Amulet' by Kazu Kibuishi is another great option. It's a fantasy - adventure graphic novel with Asian - inspired settings and characters. The story is easy to follow and the art is really appealing. It's about a young girl who discovers a magical amulet and has to go on a journey to save her family, which is a classic and accessible story concept for beginners.
Albert Wendt is a well - known author. His works often explore Samoan culture and the experiences of Pacific Islanders. Another is Kiana Davenport. She has written stories that give insights into the lives and histories of the islands. Sia Figiel is also recognized. Her writing delves deep into the female experiences within the Pacific Islander context.
One popular Asian Pacific Islander graphic novel is 'American Born Chinese' by Gene Luen Yang. It tells the story of a Chinese - American boy struggling with his identity. Another is 'Maus' by Art Spiegelman, which, while about the Holocaust, also delves into Spiegelman's own Jewish - Polish heritage which has connections to the broader Asian - Pacific Islander experiences of diaspora and cultural memory.
Often, they have a strong connection to the land and sea. Pacific Islander novels tend to be deeply rooted in the natural environment of the islands. For example, descriptions of the ocean, beaches, and lush forests are common.
One well - known Pacific island ghost story is about the Night Marchers in Hawaii. Legend has it that these are the spirits of ancient Hawaiian warriors. They march at night, and it's said that if you encounter them, you should never look directly at them or get in their way, as it could bring misfortune. Another is from Samoa, where there are tales of ghosts that haunt the old plantations. These ghosts are often associated with the hard - working laborers who once toiled there.