#mermay Day 16: hoa i’a. That means pair or partners. So I was thinking of a few Hawaiian tale of Naupaka and Kaui. Now there’s a flower as some of you may know called a Naupaka, and it’s named after the story of Princess Naupaka and her beloved Kaui. Back then, Hawaiian tradition strictly forbade those of royal blood to marry people from common decent. As Naupaka was a princess and Kaui was a commoner, this Union was forbade by the elders. All but one, who sent them to a wise man in the mountains to seek guidance. He shook his head and explained that he could not help them. He said to look to the sky for the answer. The skies darkened and a storm came, which made them come to the conclusion they should break off the relationship. Naupaka took the white flower from her hair, and tore it in half, signifying their hearts being broken. They parted, never to see one another again. And now you’ll see the Naupaka flowers growing in pairs throughout Hawai’i. Slightly sad, but such a beautiful story. @tombancroft1 #mermay2018 #art #art🎨 #artistsofinstagram #artistsoninstagram #myart #myart🎨 #merm #mermaid #tikimermie #madewithwacom #tikimermaid #mermaidhair #mermie #hoaia #girlsinanimation #glitter #instaart #instaartist #illustration #lifeisthebubbles #bubbly #butternutgouache #artoferinlefler (at New York, New York)