10. MELE KUAHU
Eia au e Laka mai uka, Here am I, oh Laka from the mountains
E Laka mai kai Oh Laka from the shore
O ho`oulu Protect us
`O ka `ī lio nāna e hae Against the dog that barks
`O ka maile hihi i ka wao Reside in the wild twining maile
`O ka laukī lei o ke akua And the goddess enwreathing kī
`O nā ku`i hau`oli All the joyful pulses
`O Ha`ikamanawa Of the woman Ha`ikamanawa
`O Laka `oe Thou art Laka
`O ke akua i ke kuahu nei lā The god of this altar
E ho`i, ho`i mai a noho i kou kuahu Return, return, abide in thy shrine!
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Editor's Notes
A block of wood made of the lama. The word “lama” means “light” or “lamp” and figuratively means “enlightenment.” It is wrapped in yellow kapa scented with `ōlena. This piece of wood represents Laka, the goddess of hula. Offerings are placed on the altar to Laka. The kuahu itself and the lei of plant materials that adorn the kuahu are Laka. Laka is the plants, the plants are Laka. Inspiration for hula is received when the plants are present and when the dancer wears plants for hula.
The use of plants and flowers in hula is to pay our respects to and honor those particular akua whose kinolau we use to adorn ourselves, or for that particular person or place we dance about. They are used to invoke the gods to inspire while one dances. They are also used to bring about the desired qualities or energy sought by the `ōlapa or dancers. Different hālau place more items on their kuahu than others, but the 5 plants most seem to agree on are HALAPEPE, `IE`IE, MAILE, `ŌHI`A & PALAPALAI. These are the basic plants used on the kuahu for the purpose of invoking the gods to be there with the haumana while training in the hula:
Halapepe (Dracaena aurea) The kinolau of Kapo`ulakina`u said by some to be the first goddess of hula. This plant grows slowly and displays an incredible shows of blossoms in the summer. It is a symbol of longevity.
Ie`ie (Freycinetia arborea) `Ie`ie is the plant that winds its way up the `ohi`a lehua. Could be a kinolau of Ku as well as Lono, the husband of Laka. It also represents Lauka`ie`ie, a demigoddess, and skill and striving knowledge for the haumana of hula.
Maile was draped on the kuahu and was kapu to Laka. It represents the four maile sisters who are also closely associated with hula. The wearing of maile gave the `olapa skill and inspiration. Some hālau believe that the maile symbolizes the umbilical cord, with one end attached to Lakaand the other attached to the `ōlapa, establishing a connection.
The kinolau for Kuka`ohi`alaka. It represents both the male and female elements, the wood being the male element and the flower the female; therefore, a branch of it was placed on the kuahu with a flower on it. It is the first to grow on new lava fields.
This fern that is usually a lei haku is the kinolau of Hi`iakaikapolio Pele, who is known as the benefactor of the `olapa. She was the helper and the healer of the Pele clan.
`Ilima is known today as the flower of O`ahu. It was one of the few plants Hawaiians cultivated for its flowers for the making of lei `ilima and it was also used in medicine. It is a labor of love to make a lei `ilima, and the recipient is an honored person in the eyes of the maker/giver. It is also the flower kapu to Laka. Koa - Symbol of strength and durability Pili means to cling. It was believed that whatever you are taught would “cling” to you so you won’t forget. Pili was brought to the kuahu and tied in two bundles, laid facing opposite ways so that all knowledge would be “covered”
Prayers are offered throughout the preparation of the altar, including when the materials are gathered in the forest A plea from an `ōlapa, student of hula, to the dieties directly involved with hula. Laka is the female diety whose kinolau, or body forms, are some of the majestic and fragrant forest plants that are used on the kuahu. Laka is the primary deity of hula kuahu.
