Hula’s Sacred Stories: Deciphering the Movements and Meanings

Hula is far more than just graceful swaying and beautiful costumes; it’s a living, breathing history book of the Hawaiian people. Each movement, each chant, each floral lei tells a story, connecting the present to the ancient past. Understanding the depth and significance behind these elements unlocks a deeper appreciation for Hawaiian culture and the power of this art form.

The Origins of Hula: A Divine Gift

Legend says that Hula was created by Laka, the goddess of Hula, fertility, and the forest. Some stories say she gave birth to the dance on the island of Moloka’i, specifically in the sacred valley of Halawa. Others pinpoint locations on other islands as the birthplace. Regardless of the exact location, the origin story emphasizes the dance’s divine connection and its role as a sacred ritual. The first hula was performed to honor the gods and goddesses, tell stories of creation, and commemorate important events. The chants (oli) and dances were meticulously crafted and passed down through generations by oral tradition, preserving the history, genealogy, and spiritual beliefs of the Hawaiian people.

Two Main Styles: Hula ‘Auana and Hula Kahiko

There are two main categories of hula: Hula ‘Auana and Hula Kahiko. Understanding the difference is key to appreciating the evolution of the dance. Hula Kahiko, meaning “ancient hula,” is the traditional style. It’s considered sacred and is performed with traditional instruments like the ipu heke (gourd drum), pahu (drum made from a coconut tree trunk and sharkskin), ‘ili’ili (smooth river stones), and kāla’au (rhythm sticks). The chants (oli) are in Hawaiian, often archaic Hawaiian, and the movements are more stylized and powerful.

Hula ‘Auana, meaning “modern hula,” evolved after Western contact. It incorporates modern instruments like the ukulele and guitar and is often danced to songs with more melodic tunes and English lyrics mixed with Hawaiian. The costumes are generally brighter and more flowing, showcasing a greater range of movement and expression. While it’s considered less formal than Hula Kahiko, Hula ‘Auana still carries deep cultural significance and tells stories about contemporary Hawaiian life, love, and landscapes.

Decoding the Movements: Hand Gestures and Footwork

Every single movement in hula has a meaning, a nuance, a purpose. It’s not just about flowing gracefully; it’s about communicating a story through the body.

Hand Gestures (Lima)

The hand gestures are perhaps the most recognizable element of hula. They can represent everything from the swaying of palm trees to the crashing of waves, the flight of birds to the blooming of flowers. Here are a few common examples:

• Lei: Making a circular shape with your hands often represents a lei, a garland of flowers. The specific movement and context can also convey the type of flower or the act of giving or receiving a lei.
• Rain: Rapid, downward fluttering movements of the fingers simulate falling rain.
• Mountains: Forming a triangle with your hands represents a mountain. Depending on the context, it could refer to a specific mountain range or simply symbolize strength and stability.
• Ocean/Waves: Wavelike movements with the hands represent the ocean or waves. The intensity and size of the movements can reflect the calmness or power of the sea.
• Coconut Tree: One arm extending upright like a tree trunk, while the other hand curves above it, representing the leaves.

Learning these gestures is like learning a visual language. You can find resources online that explain different gestures, such as those provided by cultural centers and hula schools. Try practicing in front of a mirror to perfect your form and coordination.

Footwork (Waewae)

The footwork in hula, while often subtle, is just as important as the hand gestures. It provides the foundation for the dance and helps to create rhythm and momentum. The basic step is called the kaholo, a four-count step that moves from side to side. There are many variations of the kaholo and other footwork patterns, each with its own name and purpose. The pounding rhythms of the feet connect the dancer to the earth, grounding them in the traditions and stories they are telling.

Instruments of Hula: More Than Just Music

The instruments used in hula are not just accompaniment; they are integral to the storytelling and spiritual connection of the dance.

The Ipu Heke

The ipu heke is a double gourd drum made by joining two gourds of different sizes. The larger gourd provides the base, while the smaller gourd sits on top. The ipu heke is played by striking it against the ground or against the knee, creating a deep, resonant sound. The kumu hula (hula teacher) often uses the ipu heke to set the rhythm and tempo of the dance, guiding the dancers and connecting them to the ancient traditions. The ipu heke is considered sacred and is often adorned with feathers, shells, and other natural materials.

The Pahu

The pahu is a drum made from a hollowed-out coconut tree trunk covered with sharkskin. It’s considered the most sacred of all hula instruments and is often used in ceremonies and rituals. The sound of the pahu is deep and powerful, believed to invoke the gods and ancestors. Playing the pahu requires skill and reverence, and it’s often passed down through generations within families.

The ‘Ili’ili

‘Ili’ili are smooth, water-worn stones (often lava rocks) that are used as percussion instruments. Dancers hold two stones in each hand and click them together to create rhythmic patterns. The sound of the ‘ili’ili is sharp and clear, adding a layer of complexity to the music and enhancing the storytelling. Learning to play the ‘ili’ili requires practice and coordination, and it’s a great way to develop a deeper understanding of Hawaiian rhythm.

The Kāla’au

Kāla’au are rhythm sticks, typically made from wood. Dancers strike the sticks together or against the ground to create percussive rhythms. The kāla’au can be used in a variety of ways, from simple rhythmic patterns to complex choreographies. The sound of the kāla’au is bright and energetic, adding a playful element to the hula.

The Power of Chant: Oli and Mele

Chant (oli) and song (mele) are essential components of Hula. They convey the stories, genealogy, and spiritual beliefs that the dance brings to life. The oli is often rhythmic and declamatory, while the mele is more melodic and lyrical.

The kumu hula is responsible for composing or selecting the chants and songs that will accompany the dance. The words are carefully chosen to reflect the meaning and purpose of the hula. The language used is often archaic Hawaiian, preserving the ancient traditions and connecting dancers to their cultural heritage. Learning to chant in Hawaiian requires dedication and practice, but it’s a deeply rewarding experience that connects you to the heart of Hawaiian culture.

The chants tell stories of gods and goddesses, heroes and heroines, natural phenomena, and historical events. They can express love, grief, joy, and reverence. The combination of chant and dance creates a powerful and evocative performance that transports audiences to another time and place.

Costumes and Adornments: Visual Storytelling

The costumes and adornments worn by hula dancers are not simply decorative; they are an integral part of the storytelling. Each element, from the lei to the pa’u skirt, has a symbolic meaning and contributes to the overall aesthetic of the dance.

The Lei

The lei is a garland of flowers, shells, or other natural materials that is worn around the neck, head, or wrists. It represents love, respect, and honor. The type of flower used in the lei can have specific meanings. For example, the ‘ilima flower symbolizes love and affection, while the plumeria flower represents beauty and grace. When presenting a lei, avoid throwing it around one’s neck, allow the receiver to bow slightly so you can gently place it around their neck. It is a sign of respect. Additionally, it is bad luck to remove a lei once given or received. The act of doing so implies the rejection of the giver’s aloha.

Making a lei is an art form in itself, requiring skill and creativity. It’s also a way to connect with nature and express aloha. You can find lei making workshops throughout Hawaii, offering the opportunity to learn this traditional craft.

The Pa’u Skirt

The pa’u skirt is a traditional skirt worn by female hula dancers. It’s typically made from layers of fabric, each of which is dyed in a different color. The colors and patterns of the pa’u skirt can have symbolic meanings, reflecting the stories and traditions of the dance. For Hula Kahiko, the pa’u is often made of tapa, a cloth made from the bark of the paper mulberry tree, while Hula ‘Auana skirts are often softer fabrics like cotton or rayon.

Other Adornments

In addition to lei and pa’u skirts, hula dancers may also wear other adornments, such as bracelets made from shells or seeds, anklets made from feathers, and headbands made from flowers or leaves. These adornments add to the visual richness of the dance and help to create a sense of beauty and grace.

Learning Hula: Finding a Kumu Hula and Halau

If you’re interested in learning hula, the best way to do so is to find a kumu hula (hula teacher) and join a halau (hula school). The kumu hula is not just a teacher; they are a guardian of the traditions and a mentor to their students. They guide their students through the technical aspects of the dance but also impart the cultural and spiritual knowledge that is essential to understanding hula.

Finding a halau can be challenging, as many are not widely advertised. Ask local friends or acquaintances to provide a list. Some halau travel and teach workshops, so researching this possibility may work as well. When selecting a halau, approach them with respect and humility. Ask about the kumu hula’s lineage, their teaching philosophy, and the types of hula that are taught in the halau.

Learning hula requires dedication, patience, and a willingness to learn. It’s a journey of self-discovery and cultural immersion. Be prepared to commit time and effort to your studies, and to respect the traditions and protocols of the halau.

Respecting the Culture

When learning about or participating in hula, it’s crucial to approach it with respect and sensitivity. Remember that hula is not just entertainment; it’s a sacred art form that is deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture. Avoid appropriating or misrepresenting hula, and always credit the source of your knowledge. Attend hula performances at hotels, but always ask for permission to record videos or take photographs. Most importantly, be open to learning and understanding the cultural significance of hula.

Where Can You Experience Hula?

Hawaii offers various opportunities to experience hula, from casual performances to formal competitions. Here are a few suggestions:

• Merrie Monarch Festival: The Merrie Monarch Festival is the world’s most prestigious hula competition, held annually in Hilo on the Big Island. Watching this competition offers a captivating opportunity to witness the diverse performances by Hula schools across Hawaii. Be mindful that tickets are extremely difficult to get, and entry is often through a lottery system.
• Hotel Luaus: Many hotels throughout Hawaii offer luaus, which feature hula performances along with traditional Hawaiian food and music. While these performances are often geared towards tourists, they can still provide a glimpse of hula.
• Cultural Centers: The Polynesian Cultural Center Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu offers authentic hula performances and cultural demonstrations. This center is a good choice for learning about various Polynesian cultures, which all offer different dances worth experiencing.
• Local Events: Keep an eye out for local events and festivals, which often feature hula performances by halau from the community. These events offer a more intimate and authentic experience of the dance.

Practical Tips for Enjoying and Understanding Hula

Here’s a little actionable advice on how to better appreciate hula and deepen your connection to Hawaiian culture:

• Learn a few basic Hawaiian words: Knowing a few basic Hawaiian words, such as “aloha” (love, greetings), “mahalo” (thank you), and “hula” (dance), will help you to better understand the context of the performances.
• Read about Hawaiian mythology and history: Understanding the stories and traditions that inspire the hula will enrich your experience and deepen your appreciation for the art form.
• Observe the details of the costumes and adornments: Pay attention to the flowers, shells, and other materials used in the lei and costumes, and try to understand their symbolic meanings.
• Listen carefully to the chants (oli) and songs (mele): The words of the chants and songs are essential to understanding the story being told by the dance.
• Talk to local people about hula: Hawaiians are proud of their culture and are often happy to share their knowledge and experiences with visitors.

FAQ Section

What is the meaning of “Aloha” in the context of Hula?

Aloha is a multifaceted concept that encompasses love, affection, peace, compassion, and greetings. In the context of Hula, “Aloha” represents the spirit and essence of the dance. It is a driving force and expresses the connection between the dancers, the music, and the stories they share. Incorporating the spirit of “Aloha” into a hula performance adds a deeper spiritual dimension to the dance.

Are tourist luaus authentic examples of Hula?

While traditional luaus at hotels often offer a glimpse into Hawaiian culture including hula, it is crucial to understand that in some cases these luaus are tailored for a broader audience. It may be worth considering attending local cultural events or seeking out performances by reputable hula halau. These experiences may offer a more authentic and refined presentation of hula.

How can I find a reputable Hula School (Halau)?

Finding a reputable hula school (halau) requires some research and networking. Start by asking for recommendations from local cultural organizations, community centers, or Hawaiian cultural experts. Additionally, reviewing online directories of hula halau or seeking out references from current or former students can prove insightful. Be sure to do your due deligence when making the final decision.

What is the “Kumu Hula,” and what is the responsibility to the students?

The “Kumu Hula” is the hula teacher or master instructor of a Hula School (Halau). Their responsibilities extend far beyond teaching dance steps; they act as cultural guides, mentors, and guardians of traditional knowledge. A Kumu Hula imparts not only the physical movements but also the history, values, and spiritual significance behind each dance. The Kumu is responsible for nurturing their student’s talent and ensuring that the traditions and heritage of Hula are passed on with the utmost respect.

References

• Barrère, D. B. (1941). The Hula, its History and Symbolism. Bernice P. Bishop Museum.
• Emerson, N. B. (1909). Unwritten Literature of Hawaii: The Sacred Songs of the Hula. Bureau of American Ethnology Bulletin 38, Washington, D.C.
• Kanahele, G. S. (1986). Kū Kanaka: Stand Tall. University of Hawaii Press.
• Tatar, E. (1993). Hula Pahu: Hawaiian Drum Dances. Bishop Museum Press.

Ready to dive deeper into the beautiful world of Hula? Don’t just be a spectator; become a part of the story. Start by researching the history of the Hawaiian Islands, learn a few basic Hawaiian phrases, and seek out opportunities to support local Hawaiian artists and cultural practitioners. Attend a hula performance with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Consider taking a introductory Hula course to begin your step on this fascinating journey. Embrace the spirit of aloha, and let the dance of Hula enrich your life in ways you never imagined.