Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 33, Number 11, 1 November 2016 — ʻAimalama A Solution Based on Ancestral Knowledge [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

ʻAimalama A Solution Based on Ancestral Knowledge

Lonoikamakahiki! This current lunar month occuring from Oct. 30 to Nov. 27 is called Welehu. This month marks the time when the makahiki festivities are in full swing, beginning with the rising of the constellation Makali'i (pleiedes) at sunset. As reported by David

Malo, the festivities and rituals of the Makahiki lasted for at least three months. The Kuapola ceremony, whieh is the breaking of the niu (coconut) to wash the lele (offering platform) and the Māpele heiau with the wai niu (coconut water) is the main ceremony that began the Makahiki festivities. The festivities included rituals that acknowledged the natural atmospheric activities; offerings of produce, gathered sustenance from the oeean, mats, clothing, feathers, anything that was necessary to support the heahh and wellbeing of the ruling household, whieh in turn was redistributed back to the eommunity throughout the year; and games whieh everyone participated in to promote good heahh and commraderie amongst the eommunity members. The Makahiki was a time when the cessation of war, the easing of the stringent kapu, and the rites of passage for young men and women transpired. It was an important time when the natural enviroment was too active for daily farming and fishing responsibilities. Therefore, kānaka took advantage of this time for eommunal tributes to Lono, feasting and having fun. Lonoikamakahiki to all! This month we ean expect lots of rain, wind, thunder, lightning, floods, meteor showers, surf and the return of the koholā (humphaek whales) and mōll (Laysan albatross). In recent years, observations by Hui 'Aimalama include the ripening of juicy starfruit, the blooming of 'uki'uki and ko'oko'olau in 'Ōla'a, Hawai'i, and murky nearshore conditions due to all the flooding from the heavy rains giving 'oama and mullet a good plaee to hide. The weather is cooler and the sun is setting sooner, so we leave you with this 'ōlelo no'eau (wise saying) for those wishing to stay inside and observe their eyelids instead: Kau ke po'o I ka uluna, 'o Welehu ka malama Rest the head on the pillow, Welehu is the month. It's said in reference to the stormy eonditions that made it hard for work to be accomplished during this month. Have you guys observed anything around your ahupupa'a? Let us know! Check out the Moon Phase Project Instagram ( @moonphaseproject) or Facebook (Moon Phase Project) to share with others in the eommunity. Also, we encourage everyone to heeome their own kilo and write down what they see or feel during the month. Check out http:// www.aimalama.org/resources/ for a simple downloadable observation sheet. ■

VQCABULARY Kaulana mahina - The position ofthe moon. Mahina - Moon Malama - Lunar month Anahulu - A period oflO moon phases

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Large surf continues to pound the shorelines of the pae'āina and give surfers some great rides. - Photos: Courtesy of 'Aimalama

The flowers of the 'uki'uki (left) and ko'oko'olau (right) are seen blooming in 'Ōla'a, Hawai'i.

Juicy starfruit are ripening.

'Oama are schooling nearshore along Kona, O'ahu.