1. Mana

Term used to describe the abstract life force within people and objects.

Mana is used in modern culture, to describe the life essence that exists within all things. For Tiki, mana usually refers to something akin to soul.

For example, when Donn Beach no longer presided over his Don the Beachcomber restaurants, it is often said that the restaurants no longer had Donn's mana. Specifically, the soul that he put into his facilities disappeared. Don the Beachcomber continued on in business for many years, but as a flat representation of what it once was. The restaurants still had the decor, but no longer had the essence of Tiki.

In genuine Polynesian culture, mana refers to authority and respect.


Updated December 28, 2004