History of the Lū`auFigure 13. Native Hawaiian dancers at the Royal Kona Lū`au. (Photo by Beth Amann)
In ancient times, Hawaiians would have celebrated new births, productive harvest years and victories on the battlefield by gathering in large groups to feast, dance and socialize. These celebrations were called `aha`aina, which is Hawaiian for "gathering meal". It was not until 1856 when they were referred to as lū`aus. Before King Kamehameha II came into power, it was kapu or "taboo" for men and women to eat together in the same room. Kamehameha II abolished many of these religous laws considered to be kapu in 1819 when he came into power as Hawai`i's second king, click here for more information on the history of Hawaiian lū`au's. Lū`au's have since become an important cultural event and popular tourist attraction throughout the Hawaiian islands.
Lū`au is actually the ancient Hawaiian dish composed of chicken wrapped in taro leaves and soaked in coconut milk. The popularity of the dish contributed to the naming of this great social celebration. Hawaiian culture thrives today in both traditional and innovative contemporary forms. Ancient hula and chants are preserved, but the popular hula hālau schools are notable for inventive new dances set to recently composed chants (Juvik and Sonya 1998). Traditionally, flower or shell leis are handed out at lū`au's to welcome visitors and show affection. For women, a flower is given to put behind the ear; placing it over the left ear signifies availability where placing the flower behind the right represents one is in a relationship. Lū`aus are a fundamental part of island life as they are a celebration of traditional culture, life and history. Traditional Lu`au DiningFigure 14. An imu is a traditional Hawaiian earth pit oven. Pigs are steamed underground by heated rocks wrapped in leaves. (Photo by Doug Faulkner)
The traditional preparation of pua`a kalua (roasted pig) in an earth oven is a regular activity at lū`aus across Hawai`i, Figure 9. The kalua is prepared all day in an earthen oven called an imu. Heated rocks are rolled in green leafy vegetation and placed below the pig underground. The tedious day long steaming produces tender shredded pork, simply delicious!
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A modern Hawaiian lū`au serves a variety of authentic foods common throughout Polynesia. Whether your pallet craves tender meats or something on the lighter side lū`au buffets literally have it all. Some native dishes offered to us included poke, lomilomi salmon, pipi kaula or seasoned beef jerkey, moa (chicken), taro rolls and of course the main dish of Kalua pua'a. Poi, a staple nutritious pasty starch is a native delight; leaving a lū`au without trying some would be kapu! The fresh fruits were mouth watering, the pineapple slices exploded with natural island flavor. For dessert, we were treated to our choice of coconut cake or pineapple upside down cake. The Royal Kona Lū`au was an artistic meeting of traditional foods and modern appetites, oh and by the way, the mai tai's weren't too bad either.
Polynesian DancesHawaiian HulaFigure 16. Hula performed by native Hawaiians
The Hawaiian hula is performed using graceful movements that utilize the hips and hands to tell the origin stories about life in Hawaiian culture.
Tahiti OteaFigure 17. Otea performed at the lu`au
Dancers performing the Otea wear stunningly tall headdresses and long skirts, usually made of grass. The performance is unique in that dancers move their hips to the quick, rythmic drum beats.
New Zealand MaoriFigure 18. Maori poi balls in action
Maori poi balls are attached by long cords and twirled around dancers to create artisic patterns around the body. This visually exciting dance is telling one story of how Maori natives migrated to New Zealand from Polynesia via canoe. In some extereme variations of this dance, flaming poi balls are used.
Samoa Sa SaFigure 19. The Sa Sa dance of Samoa
Slapping ones body and clapping loudly are traits of the Sa Sa dance. This dance is a dangerously artisitc display that shares the culture and daily life in Samoa. Choreographed dances are performed using Lapa sticks. Skillful dancers hurl flaming Lapa sticks around their bodies to the pulsating sound of native drums.
Polynesian Dance Photos by Beth Amann |
Sources
2010. “Hula Dances and Lū`au's.” Bright Entertainment. Retrieved December 5, 2011 (http://www.hulashows.com/).
2008. “Lū`au Foods.” Polynesian Cultural Center. Retrieved December 1, 2011 (http://www.aliiluau.com/luau/luau-food/luau-food.html).
Fischer, John. “Lū`au- A Hawaiian Feast.” Hawaii Travel, About.com. Retrieved November 15, 2011 (http://gohawaii.about.com/cs/luau/a/hawaiian_luau.htm)
Juvik, Sonia P. and Juvik, James O. 1998. Atlas of Hawai‘i. Hilo, HI: University of Hawai‘i Press.
Banner photo by Beth Amann
2008. “Lū`au Foods.” Polynesian Cultural Center. Retrieved December 1, 2011 (http://www.aliiluau.com/luau/luau-food/luau-food.html).
Fischer, John. “Lū`au- A Hawaiian Feast.” Hawaii Travel, About.com. Retrieved November 15, 2011 (http://gohawaii.about.com/cs/luau/a/hawaiian_luau.htm)
Juvik, Sonia P. and Juvik, James O. 1998. Atlas of Hawai‘i. Hilo, HI: University of Hawai‘i Press.
Banner photo by Beth Amann