Last practice

Well the time is drawing close this week. Much has happened since my last post. Unfortunately the on goings where I work is slowing and many things are transpiring with the parent company. So as a result, my company will be laying off their employees in their division, which includes me. Not to worry though, I will be completely fine. The way my industry works, it's to be expected. I'll find a job soon enough. As it stands, it works out. I'll be leaving for Hilo, Hawaii on friday, and will be there in preparation for Merrie Monarch. Lot to be done, things to see. So it works out well.

Well we had the last of our practices tonight. At least the last of our practices here on the mainland. There will be a myriad more when we all get to Hilo. Regardless it's a great feeling that's setting upon us. "We are warriors, fierce and strong.. " Beckon the words of our Kumu Hula, Auntie Sissy. This is something I am taking with me as I mentally prepare for this new event in my life.

Well for those who are interested, the TV station that will be broadcasting the event in Hawaii, will also be broadcasting the competition online through streaming media. You can check that out at the KITV website, in their Merrie Monarch Section. Right now it's not up, but of course check back on the night of the competition. Keep an eye out for us... Hula Halua O Lilinoe a me Na Pua Me Kealoha. I think on the Merrie Monarch page, we're listed as Hula Halau O Lilinoe. Keep an eye out! Oh and btw, if / when you see us... keep an eye out for the design on the left. The men were responsible for their own design to stamp on their malo along side the unifying design of the halau. The design on the left, represents my family.

In the process of making our malos, Auntie Sissy asked that we research our last name and come up with a design that represents that. So last i remember, My family believes that we are descendants of na ali'i O Maui, the kings of Maui. And in so, I chose the symbol of the Lei Niho Palaoa, the Whale Tooth Necklace. A brief history of this is such:

Hawaiian society was divided into four strata; the ali'i, ruling chiefs and nobles; the kahuna, priests and master craftsmen; the maka'ainana, commoners, cultivators, fishermen, and craftsmen; and the kauwa, slaves and outcasts. This necklace was worn by a member of the ali'i during special ceremonies and on state occasions. The Hawaiians considered human hair to be sacred and to have great mana (residual spiritual power/force). The head was believed to contain the greatest amount of mana in the human body, and it was kapu (forbidden) to touch or cast a shadow on an ali'i's head. After death, bodies were buried in secret places to prevent mana from falling into an enemy's hands. Because necklaces were made of human hair and held much mana, they were kapu to those who were not ali'i. When the olona (tie cords made of coconut fiber) were drawn up and tied, the black hair ruffed out around the neck and the yellowish hook pendant stuck out like a tongue. The tongue shape probably represented great mana. The walrus ivory, which simulated earlier sperm whale tooth ivory from beached whales and which was also kapu except to the ali'i, was obtained by trade with the Western whaling industry. The pendant hangs from two symmetrical coils of finely square-braided eight ply human hair, and is attached through a lateral hole. In Hawaiian art, the hook shape of the pendant is a frequently repeated motif. This is a good example of the evolution of traditional art as the more plentiful walrus ivory was substituted for rare whale ivory.

In addition to the above information, it was also the tradition of the mother of the ali'i to use her own hair for the 8 ply braid used in the lei. So as it stood, when ali'i or kings from neighboring islands were seeking queens, they would come to Maui, because the women there possessed higher spiritual mana. These kings would seek them for marriage so their progeny would too have high mana. Now with the hair being used, it would normally be work around the neck, and in this case, the design will be haning near my ma'i, genitals, and it's representation there will pay homage to the matriarchal side of my ancestors, both future descendants and past descendants. It's kind of an in depth explanation, but much thought went into this...

Okay that's all for now!