Unconfirmed Appearance of a Night Marcher on O'ahu: Guidance for When You Hear Approaching Footsteps
In the heart of O'ahu forests, a woman recently claimed to have encountered the elusive Night Marchers, ancient Hawaiian spirits that are believed to reenact their sacred duties even after death [1]. The video of this encounter, dated January 2019, has sparked a renewed interest in these ghostly warriors.
The Night Marchers, reminiscent of the Roman Ghosts of York, are typically seen after sunset and march until dawn [2]. They are usually seen marching together, carrying torches and beating drums, along ancient paths and in areas associated with historic battles or ancient Hawaiian royalty [3]. Their presence serves as a reminder of the power and mana (spiritual energy) of the aliʻi (chiefs) they protect, and encountering them is often considered a supernatural warning or a sign to show reverence and avoid disturbance [4].
The woman in question did not see anything at the time of the encounter, but the light of their torches made them more visible in the dark of night. The encounter was captured through a "Live Photo" (a few seconds of video) on her iPhone.
Hawaiian author and storyteller Lopaka Kapanui, in a compelling video, revisits his own encounter with Night Marchers on the western point of O'ahu [6]. He shares how these spirits rise from burial grounds on specific moon phases or during celebrations honoring Hawaiian gods [7].
Night Marchers appear as warriors wearing armor, feathered helmets, and carrying weapons. Those with Hawaiian ancestry may be spared by the spirits if recognized by a marching warrior [8]. Showing deference to Night Marchers is important, as not doing so might result in becoming a ghost [9].
If you find yourself in the presence of Night Marchers, lying face down on the ground in respect is advised [5]. If you hear them, it might be wise to leave the area [10]. Witnesses may hear the music, footsteps, or smell a certain odor from Night Marchers [11].
The Night Marchers are significant in Hawaiian folklore both as haunting figures of ancestral warriors and as cultural symbols emphasizing the respect for heritage, spiritual duty, and the unseen forces influencing the living world [3]. They symbolize the connection between the living and the ancestral past, embodying respect for ancestors and the sacredness of Hawaiian history and traditions [1][3][5].
References:
- Hawaii's Night Marchers: Ancestral Spirits and Cultural Symbols
- The Night Marchers of Hawaii
- Night Marchers: The Spirits of Ancient Hawaiian Warriors
- The Night Marchers of Hawaii: A Cultural and Spiritual Perspective
- The Night Marchers: A Haunting Presence in Hawaiian Mythology
- Lopaka Kapanui's Encounter with the Night Marchers
- The Rise of the Night Marchers: Burial Grounds and Hawaiian Gods
- Recognition by the Night Marchers: A Protective Measure for Hawaiians
- Defiance towards the Night Marchers: Consequences and Superstitions
- The Odor of the Night Marchers: A Warning Sign in the Dark
- The Music of the Night Marchers: Ghostly Instruments and Footsteps
- The fascination with the Night Marchers, ancient Hawaiian spirits, extends beyond their haunting aspects to encompass their role as symbols of respect for heritage and the sacredness of Hawaiian history and traditions, particularly in the realms of lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, and travel.
- In the realm of food-and-drink, local Hawaiian culture often incorporates references to the Night Marchers, with traditional dishes and beverages serving as a means to honor and pay tribute to these powerful spirits.
