In Hawaiian legend, nightmarchers (huaka'i pō or "Spirit Ranks," 'oi'o) are the ghosts of ancient Hawaiian warriors.
Behavior
On certain nights, nightmarchers are said to come forth from their burial sites to march out to past battles or to other sacred places. Anyone living near their path may hear chanting and marching, and must go inside to avoid notice.
Nightmarchers might also appear during the day if coming to escort a dying relative to the spirit world. Anyone looking upon or seen by the marchers will die unless a relative is within the marcher's ranks.
Powers
Some people maintain that if you lie face down on the ground they will not see you. Others say that this only works if you are naked. Still others say that you should be naked, lie face up and feign sleep. Placing leaves of the ti (Cordyline sp.) around one's home is said to keep away all evil spirits, and will cause the huaka'i pō to avoid the area.
References
- Hawaiian Mythology by Martha Beckwith, University of Hawaii Press, 1970. Page 164.
- Hawaiian Dictionary by Mary Kawena Pukui and Samuel H. Elbert, University of Hawaii Press, 1986.