Aztec pole dancers thrill spectators as they fly through the air in a
spectacle of swirling color. Dancers tie their ankles to ropes wound
around a pole and then jump off, “flying” gracefully around the
pole as the ropes unwind until they reach the ground. The ritual
has been practiced by the Totonac people over 2,000 years as a
way of giving thanks to the sun.
spectacle of swirling color. Dancers tie their ankles to ropes wound
around a pole and then jump off, “flying” gracefully around the
pole as the ropes unwind until they reach the ground. The ritual
has been practiced by the Totonac people over 2,000 years as a
way of giving thanks to the sun.
The arrival of Captain James Cook in the Hawaiian Islands is witnessed by chiefs and common
people alike -- bringing a whole new perspective to Makahiki and the primordial god, Lono.
Painting by native Hawaiian artist and historian, Herb Käne.
people alike -- bringing a whole new perspective to Makahiki and the primordial god, Lono.
Painting by native Hawaiian artist and historian, Herb Käne.
Ka Ipu `Ölelo "The Speaking Gourd" Newspage & Photo Gallery Hälau Palaihiwa O Kaipuwai June 2009 |
Aloha mai käkou!
The season of Ho`oilo is upon us and the elements in the
atmosphere have shifted. Our last newsletter posting was right
around the Summer Solstice of June 21st. The autumnal equinox in
September marked the beginning of the sun's journey toward the
south...soon the Winter Solstice of December 21, 2009 will be
upon us and the sun will have reached its southernmost limit. And
within days to follow, the new year of 2010 will pursue. Well, sort
of...
The ritual cycle of the Makahiki or New Year’s festival began in the
month of `Ikuä, the last month of Kau (the dry season), and
continues during the first three months of the Ho`oilo (west season):
Welehu, Makali`i, and Ka`elo. Makahiki was marked when the
constellation of Pleiades (Huihui or Makali`i) was sighted rising over
the horizon at sunset.
The season of Ho`oilo is upon us and the elements in the
atmosphere have shifted. Our last newsletter posting was right
around the Summer Solstice of June 21st. The autumnal equinox in
September marked the beginning of the sun's journey toward the
south...soon the Winter Solstice of December 21, 2009 will be
upon us and the sun will have reached its southernmost limit. And
within days to follow, the new year of 2010 will pursue. Well, sort
of...
The ritual cycle of the Makahiki or New Year’s festival began in the
month of `Ikuä, the last month of Kau (the dry season), and
continues during the first three months of the Ho`oilo (west season):
Welehu, Makali`i, and Ka`elo. Makahiki was marked when the
constellation of Pleiades (Huihui or Makali`i) was sighted rising over
the horizon at sunset.
Makahiki was marked when the constellation
of Pleaides (Huihui or Makali`i) was sighted
rising over the horizon at sunset.
of Pleaides (Huihui or Makali`i) was sighted
rising over the horizon at sunset.
To celebrate Makahiki, we are launching Ho`oulu - a new and exciting free Hawaiian lecture series with our very first program entitled, "Lono I Ka Makahiki! Sacred Season of Peace & Rejuvenation". Click on to our Programs & Projects page for details. Mark your calendars! Saturday, November 29, 2008 6pm to 7:30pm Mälama Kaua`i Center in Kïlauea (Former Guava Kai Plantation) |
Festival of Native Peoples
Cherokee, North Carolina
July 17 - 19, 2000
For the second year in a row, Hälau Palaihiwa O Kaipuwai traveled to
North Carolina for the Annual Festival of Native Peoples, bringing our
traditional stories, songs, chants and dances to the national stage of
indigenous cultural performers from across the country. The event
honors the collected history, culture, tradition, and wisdom of the
indigenous people of the Americas. We made many new friends,
enjoyed native delicacies of our warm hosts, exchanged stories of
creation and cultural beliefs, and so much more. It was truly an honor
for each of us!
Under the direction of Kumu Hula, Këhaulani Kekua, the performing
company of Hälau Palaihiwa O Kaipuwai included: Alaka`i, `Aikäne
Alapa`i as Assistant Director, and `ölapa or dancers, Stacy Sproat-
Beck, Nanea Sproat-Armitage, Keali`iwahine`öpu`ulani Kekua, Bula
Ka`aumoana-Soares, Eva Joy Miner-Peru, Hau`oli Smith, Darci Gray,
Annann Eu and Michael Booth. Accompanying musicians included
David Sproat, Nelson Armitage and John Käneholani provided us the
opportunity to additionally offer performances of Hula `Auana this year.
ed us as a ho`opa`a, and Tabitha Booth was our documentary and media
assistant.
Cherokee, North Carolina
July 17 - 19, 2000
For the second year in a row, Hälau Palaihiwa O Kaipuwai traveled to
North Carolina for the Annual Festival of Native Peoples, bringing our
traditional stories, songs, chants and dances to the national stage of
indigenous cultural performers from across the country. The event
honors the collected history, culture, tradition, and wisdom of the
indigenous people of the Americas. We made many new friends,
enjoyed native delicacies of our warm hosts, exchanged stories of
creation and cultural beliefs, and so much more. It was truly an honor
for each of us!
Under the direction of Kumu Hula, Këhaulani Kekua, the performing
company of Hälau Palaihiwa O Kaipuwai included: Alaka`i, `Aikäne
Alapa`i as Assistant Director, and `ölapa or dancers, Stacy Sproat-
Beck, Nanea Sproat-Armitage, Keali`iwahine`öpu`ulani Kekua, Bula
Ka`aumoana-Soares, Eva Joy Miner-Peru, Hau`oli Smith, Darci Gray,
Annann Eu and Michael Booth. Accompanying musicians included
David Sproat, Nelson Armitage and John Käneholani provided us the
opportunity to additionally offer performances of Hula `Auana this year.
ed us as a ho`opa`a, and Tabitha Booth was our documentary and media
assistant.
| Above - Sunrise in Cherokee County Below, `Aikäne, Pali and `Iolani pose for a quick photo while waiting for the shuttle to the Fair Grounds for our first performance day. |
JBelow, beautiful painted bears depicting Cherokee history and stories are seen
throughout the town.
throughout the town.
Warriors of Anikituhwa share war dances and other traditions of their heritage
| Representing the clans of Cherokee in the incredible production of "Unto These Hills" |
