Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 31, Number 1, 1 Ianuali 2014 — Celebrations of the season [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Celebrations of the season

By Claire Ku'uleilani Hughes, Dr. PH„ R.D. This has always been a season filled with tradition and ceremony in Hawai'i. In ancient times, the prayers and ceremonies focused on the Makahiki, marking the return of Lono, the god of rain, thunder, peaee, planting and fertility. Everyone participated in giving ho'okupu (offerings, gifts) and thanks to Lono. All land and produce were kapu (protected) until the ho'okupu of food and other products were accepted by the kahuna. Then, the kapu was lifted,

and festivities and seasonal games began. During Makahiki, major farming, fishing and work was suspended due, in large part, to weather changes that brought heavy rains, winds, thunderandlighting. Kona weather is also associated with rough, dark seas, as well as an annual drenching for fields and forests. Lono makua is known as Lono, the thunderer, heavy Kona rain, thunder and lightning. Other kino lau (body forms) of Lono surround us still, to remind us of his importance, such as lū'au (taro leaves), 'uala (sweetpotato) and ipu (gourd). Lono manifests himself in Kamapua'a, the hog-child. And, the kukui (candlenut tree), with leaves suggestive of a pig's snout and ears, is kino lau of Kamapua'a. The 'ama'ama (mullet) and āholehole, young Hawaiian flagtail, are kino lau of Kamapua'a. A mo'olelo of

the kukui tells how Makali'i's brother was swallowed by a shark. In order to find the shark, Makali'i chewed kukui nuts, then spat the oily nut meat on the ocean's surface, and created a smooth and glassy surface so Makali'i could see the shark. Fishermen used this technique when fishing reefs for fish and he'e (squid). Kukui still flourish on Hawai'i's mountain slopes.

Several groves have legendary fame. Ulu kukui a Lanikāula (the shading kukui of Lanikāula) or Kalanikāula (the heavenly seer), was Kalanikāula's secluded dwelling and he is buried there. The sacred grove of Kauhakake was a meeting plaee for chiefs on Kaua'i. In Makawao, Maui, Lilikoi (a resting plaee) is famous for its fragrant and sweet kukui nuts. In

Kona, Hawai'i, two groves, Koaukukuila and Kukuiala'inamona, are remembered. A solitary kukui tree where Pele rested, formerly stood on the bare plain helow Kapāpala until about 1940. Kukui groves covered the slopes along the Hāmākua coastline, helow the high areas forested with koa and ferns. Sadly, these kukui groves were cleared for sugar plantations.

Present-day traditions include devotion, worship, gift giving, festivities, as well as

eAieuuiug K.iuuuesses. m my youth, Hawai'i was heavily involved in World War II and experiencing many resulting scarcities. I recall activities focused on preparing gifts of food and clothing, as well as gift giving to families in need. There was a sense of community. Today, gift and charitable giving is far less personal. Today, we are more able to chose who we work, worship and associate with, to exclusion of "others."

Now, people in Honolulu walk down sidewalks without noticing those walking past them. No smiles, nods, even words or signs of acknowledgement. Nostalgic? I suppose so. Unfair? Perhaps. However, I lament the fact that my children and grandchildren will not ever experience the courtesies and kindnesses to one another that I remember. ■

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A staff image of Lono, god of rain, thunder, peaee, planting and fertility. - Photo: KaiMarkell