"Planets or wandering stars were
of interest mainly for astrological purposes or as
weather indicators, as in the case of Saturn or
Jupiter whose misty aspect forewarned of storms.
In modern times much confusion
prevails regarding the identification of the ancient
names with individual planets. Naholoholo,
for example, was applied to both Venus and Saturn by
various Hawaiian authorities, although their natures
are quite distinctive. Since the name signifies
swift-moving, the identity with Venus is the more
logical as Saturn is the slowest of the planets.
Holoholo-pinaau was said to
be Saturn by one, Mars by another; the name which
means 'weaving to and fro' is most appropriate to
Mars. It is possible, however that the same name was
applied to different planets in the various islands
of the same archipelago." (Makemson) |