Origin of the Quaqua Moniker
The moniker "Quaqua" (pronounced "kwah-kwuh") was adapted from the title of a poem written by Society Founder Dan Witte at the age of 13. Dan's mother suggested use of the poem. Although Dan did not view his poem as any literary masterpiece, he accepted her suggestion because he felt a symbolic aquatic theme would have transcendent cultural significance. Dan also believed the name Quaqua would be easy to remember and would encourage people to reflect upon their own role in life.

 

Qua Aqua

The ebbing and the flowing
of the water on its way
Causes me to ponder
the function of my day

I marvel at water's clarity
an odorless rhapsody
A wonderful gift of vigor
to each creature that I see


Water is a paradox
there is little it cannot do
It glides along so quietly
yet roars in majesty too


I have never seen the water
sport any sort of wings
Yet water rules the world as clouds
to shape a myriad of things


I wonder if I might be water
as I go upon my way
To flow along the path of life
so there is nothing left to say.



"Qua" is an English word meaning "In the character of." "Aqua" is an English prefix derived from the Latin word for "water." The title of the poem therefore suggests being "In the character of water."

"Quaqua" is also a Latin word, although the Latin pronounciation is "quay - quay." Quaqua is alternatively translated as "wherever," "wheresoever," "whithersoever," and "in every place." The Quaqua Society does indeed seek to serve alternative educators around the world, wherever they may be found.

Finally, "Quaqua" is a genus of colorful flowers in the Asclepiadaceae family, which grow on the capes of South Africa. Photo The flower would have been seen by many of the famous explorers, tradesmen and seamen who traveled the treacherous sea route linking Europe and Asia, as they sailed around the Cape of Good Hope and into the unknown.