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The History of Hula
The dance known as hula was developed in the
Hawaiian Islands by their original Polynesian settlers, who migrated there by outrigger canoes from southeastern Pacific islands
beginning in the fifth century CE. Two-way voyaging continued for several centuries, during which seafarers brought domesticated
animals, plant seeds and cuttings, and all the various cultural necessities for life on uninhabited islands. Other ethnic
groups have come to Hawaii since the first European contact in 1778: Western (mainly British, American, and Portuguese) and
Asian (mainly Chinese, Japanese, and Filipino) settlers have contributed to Hawaii's present multicultural dance culture.
The hula, however, has remained largely uninfluenced by other dance traditions.
The origins of hula are shrouded in legend. One
story describes the adventures of Hi'iaka, who danced to appease her fiery sibling, the volcano goddess Pele. The Hi'iaka
epic provides the basis for many present-day dances.
In the pre-European period, hula was closely
related to religious practices. Extant dances accompanied by the pahu (sharkskin-covered log drum, used in temple ceremonies)
appear to be the most sacred, dedicated to the gods. As late as the early twentieth century, ritual and prayer surrounded
all aspects of hula training and practice. Teachers and students were dedicated to Laka, goddess of the hula, and appropriate
offerings were made regularly.
THE ALOHA SPIRIT LAW
[§5-7.5] The Aloha Spirit.
(a) The Aloha Spirit is the coordination
of mind and heart within each person. It brings each person to the Self. Each person must think and emote good feelings to
others. In the contemplation and presence of the life force, Aloha, the following unuhi laulā loa (free translation) may be
used:
- Akahai, meaning kindness to be expressed with tenderness;
- Lōkahi, meaning unity, to be expressed with harmony;
- `Olu`olu, meaning agreeable, to be expressed with pleasantness;
- Ha`aha`a, meaning humility, to be expressed with modesty;
- Ahonui, meaning patience,
to be expressed with perseverance.
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