Whenever we are “out and about” especially on our walk/run, many give us a SHAKA sign.
In return, my peeps SHAKA back. I asked mom, What does it mean?
The SHAKA sign is a popular Hawaiian hand gesture.
It is very common on the island to be greeted with a SHAKA sign.
A SHAKA sign is the distinctive pinky and thumb salute.
HangLoose, SHAKA’s original meaning and a constant reminder that in Hawaii,
it is not the norm to worry or rush. As the saying goes, NO WORRIES.
4 Versions of the Origin of the SHAKA Sign
First version: In 1940’s, the SHAKA sign was used as a symbol of blessing by a local Hawaiian folk hero named Hamana Kalili who happened to be missing the three middle fingers on his right hand due to a sugar mill accident.
Second version: When Kalili, who happened to be missing the three middle fingers on his right hand due to a sugar mill accident, waved his malformed hand to shoo away children from jumping trains.
Third version: When one of the first surfers in Hawaii got bitten by a shark and lost his three middle fingers, raised a shaking pinky and thumb out of the water.
Fourth version: When the Spanish immigrants, who folded the middle fingers and brought the thumb to the lips as a friendly gesture to symbolize sharing a drink with the natives they met in Hawaii.
Whatever version on how the SHAKA originated, it surely represents a strong reminder of the Spirit of Aloha, which makes Hawaii distinctive.
3 Versions on Naming the Hand Gesture, SHAKA
First version: In the 1960s, a local Honolulu TV movie host Lippy Espinda used SHAKA as a news signoff.
Second version: Many believed that the word “shaka” was derived from an ancient Buddha named Shakyamuni, who prayed with his hands in the shape of two shakas pressed together.
Third version: The word SHAKA was derived from the term “shark eye,” which is a traditional greeting given to respected friends and family members.
Finally, in 1976, Frank Fasi, a mayoral candidate, designed his campaign around the SHAKA sign and made the SHAKA sign/name popular throughout the islands of Hawaii.
Want to learn how to do the SHAKA sign?
4 Simple Steps on How To Make A SHAKA Sign
1. make a fist (not a tight fist)
2. extend your thumb
3. extend your pinky
4. lightly shake your hand and/ or hold/rotate back and forth
SHAKA, is an amazing hand gesture that also signifies love, hello, goodbye, affection, regards, fondness and compassion.
If you visit Hawaii, don’t be shy to give the SHAKA sign (just make sure you’ve got the how to of the hand gesture).
PAWsome! Golden HangLoose!
The SHAKA hand gesture is easy for humans but for dogs … simply wag your tail and smile.
Lots of Golden L♥VE n Woofs
SUGAR
It is just amazing how much I learn from you Sugar. I wish I had a thumb now. I guess I will just have to stick to shakin’ my tail.
Blessings,
Goose
We love it! Happy Caturday, Sugar. xoxo
We agree with Goose!! We learn SO MUCH from you and your mom Sugar!! We don’t have thumbs either…so we will WAG our tails!! xoxo Chloe and LadyBug
Wow that was interesting…. I’m trying to learn the shaka signs – but it’s not easy if you have paws ;o)
Love this! Giving you the Shaka sign right now, Sugar! Woofs from Jeffie and Rudy, plus a puppy squeal from Rosie
Thanks for the info! This was new to me.
Sugar momz & I seen dis shaka sign in movies and on da tv but never knew all da innerestin stuf about it…we like da history and we like da meaning behind it…thanks fur cluing us in
Hi Sugar! Thanks for sharing that. Friends of ours (human) have visited your beautiful islands a couple of times and when they return they are always doing the Shaka sign. We knew what it was but not what is called nor the history of it.
Hey Sugar Shaka is what it is called we never knew that.
We enjoyed reading all the different meanings…
NCSU (N. C. State University’s mascot is a wolf. We have a hand sign we use that makes a wolf head.
Your two middle fingers bend down to meet the thumb all straight. that is the wolf snout
your pinkie and index finger remain up right and make the wolf ears
Hugs Madi your BFFF
Hang loose, Sugar and have a Happy Saturday!
i just found i can not make the shaka sign, my hands will not do it. if i can remember i will keep trying this to exercise my hands. arthritis makes them not work right. this is making me sad. i was shocked i could not do. it.
Great info, thanks for sharing it!
I approve too Sugar. Yes I do.
Have a woof woof day. My best to your mom. 🙂
We like the Shaka sign!! Hang Loose! No Worries!
Well how cool is that….we must remember this for when we visit hawaii although Mom will have to use a standard wave – her old arthritic fingers won’t move into the shaka pose
We didn’t know the name of that hand gesture so enjoyed this Hawaii lesson Sugar! Love your crossed paws too!
I am making it back at ya!
That pretty cool and very nice to know!
Lovies, Miss Mindy
Hang loose Sugar!! I know you will….
Kisses,
Ruby
I’m hangin’ loose in my window seat today…enjoying the weekend!
We sure do learn a lot from you Sugar and I just love that picture of you at the bottom of the post
urban hounds
We have been “Hanging Loose” for years…BOL!
Wyatt and Stanzie
Now if only dogs had fingers…..
Cotton
Nice towel 🙂
A surfer “surfs up” is how I know that sign! Too cool. Makes me want to watch Blue Crush.
Hang loose Sugar!
Aloha Sugar,
Have a great day!!! I heard I am headed to da beach
\m/
(Dats a Shaka)