hula

hula. Hula is a complex and expressive dance form originating in the Hawaiian Islands, deeply intertwined with Hawaiian mythology and history. It serves as a vital medium for storytelling, preserving genealogies, and honoring deities like Pele and Laka. While traditionally a sacred ritual, hula has evolved through periods of suppression and revival to become a global symbol of Hawaiian culture.

Origins and history

The mythological origins of hula are attributed to various deities, with one prominent tradition crediting Laka as its patron goddess. Early forms were sacred rituals performed in heiau (temples) for religious ceremonies and chiefly celebrations. The arrival of American Protestant missionaries in the early 19th century, such as those from the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, led to the suppression of hula as they deemed it pagan. This suppression intensified after the Overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1893. A key revival began in the 1870s under King David Kalākaua, who publicly championed it during events like the 1886 Jubilee. The 20th-century Hawaiian Renaissance, spurred by cultural practitioners and institutions like the Merrie Monarch Festival, solidified its modern resurgence.

Types and styles

Hula is broadly categorized into two main historical styles. Hula kahiko encompasses ancient styles performed before 1893, characterized by vigorous, earthy movements and accompanied by oli (chant) and traditional percussion. In contrast, hula ʻauana is the modern style that developed in the 19th and 20th centuries, influenced by Western music. It features more fluid, graceful motions and is performed to songs accompanied by instruments like the ʻukulele and steel guitar. Distinct regional styles also exist, such as those from Kauaʻi or Hilo, and competitive styles showcased at events like the Merrie Monarch Festival.

Instruments and attire

Traditional instrumentation for hula kahiko includes a variety of percussive implements. Primary among these are the pahu (shark-skin drum) and the ipu (gourd drum), used to mark rhythm. Other instruments include the ʻuliʻuli (feathered gourd rattle), pūʻili (split bamboo rattles), and ʻiliʻili (water-worn lava stones used as castanets). Attire is historically significant; for kahiko, dancers may wear kapa (bark cloth) skirts and lei, while ʻauana often features more contemporary fabrics and elaborate floral lei. The adornments, from head lei (lei poʻo) to ankle bracelets (kūpeʻe), are integral to the visual narrative.

Cultural significance and practices

Hula is far more than entertainment; it is a foundational practice for preserving and transmitting Hawaiian knowledge. Through its choreography and accompanying mele (poetry), it records historical events, genealogies (moʻokūʻauhau), and the characteristics of the natural world. Training is rigorous and traditionally occurs within a hālau hula (school) under a kumu hula (teacher/master). The relationship between kumu and haumāna (student) is deeply respectful, often beginning and ending ceremonies with oli. The annual Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo is the most prestigious competition, serving as a major focal point for cultural practice and excellence.

Modern hula and global influence

Today, hula is practiced worldwide, with hālau established across the United States, Japan, and Europe. It remains a powerful vehicle for political and cultural expression, addressing themes of land (ʻāina) and identity. Its global profile has been elevated through tourism, films, and musicians like Israel Kamakawiwoʻole. Contemporary kumu, such as those from Hālau o Kekuhi, continue to innovate while maintaining tradition, ensuring hula's vitality as both a living art form and a resilient symbol of Hawaiian heritage.

Category:Polynesian dance Category:Hawaiian culture Category:Dance in Hawaii