Ona was one of the bravest of the gods. Rather than watch the featherless birds from a distance, he moved among them and taught them things.
He taught them how to take the fruits of the land and sea and turn them into strong drink. He would feast for days with them, sometimes for weeks.
His gift to them was to make them divine, to taste the nectar of the gods of land, sea, air and fire.
Sometimes they enjoyed his gifts, too much, and for that he made them return his gifts to the earth.
For this was just, was it not?
All he asked in return was they enjoy the fruits of their labor and his teaching.
Hawaiian legend holds that the wearer of Ona’s Tiki will be protected from hangovers and the ill-effects of strong drink.
Written by: Mike Searson