What is Hula?
Nanea has been taking hula lessons from her grandmother since she was 4 years old. Her beautiful hula outfit and her love for hula got me very interested about the history of hula and what the hula means.
I found this at "GoHawaii"
In ancient Hawaii, a time when a written language did not exist, hula and its chants played an important role in keeping history, genealogy, mythology and culture alive. With each movement – a hand gesture, step of foot, swaying of hips – a story would unfold. Through the hula, the Native Hawaiians were connected with their land and their gods.
Before the arrival of Western missionaries, the hula was danced for protocol and social enjoyment. The songs and chants of the hula preserved Hawaii’s history and culture. Many believe hula was born on the island of Molokai, but other legends tell of Hula originating on Kauai.
For many years following the arrival of missionaries, the hula as well as the Hawaiian language and music were suppressed. The hula, specifically, was even outlawed. It wasn’t until King David Kalakaua came to the throne in 1874 that Hawaiian cultural traditions were restored. Public performances of hula flourished and by the early 1900s, the hula had evolved with modern times.
Before the arrival of Western missionaries, the hula was danced for protocol and social enjoyment. The songs and chants of the hula preserved Hawaii’s history and culture. Many believe hula was born on the island of Molokai, but other legends tell of Hula originating on Kauai.
For many years following the arrival of missionaries, the hula as well as the Hawaiian language and music were suppressed. The hula, specifically, was even outlawed. It wasn’t until King David Kalakaua came to the throne in 1874 that Hawaiian cultural traditions were restored. Public performances of hula flourished and by the early 1900s, the hula had evolved with modern times.
There are two types of hula – Hula Kahiko (ancient hula that is performed today) and Hula Auana (a modern style of hula). Hula is not just about dancing it is all about Hawaiian history, tradition and culture.
A luau (a traditional Hawaii feast or party) is a fun and festive place to watch the hula and learn about Hawaiian and Polynesian culture.
Hula videos:
Beautiful Hula / Polynesian Dancers
Traditional Hawaiian Hula Dance at Aloha Tower
Hawaiian Wedding Song Hula Dance. (This is so beautiful)
Hula Dancing Tips for Beginners : Symbolic Moves in Hula Dancing for Beginners
(I love that all the motions have real meanings)
Mahalo Nui
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