Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 25, Number 6, 1 June 2008 — The first-year lūʻau ... traditionally [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

The first-year lūʻau ... traditionally

Recent newspaper articles revealed some confusion about baby's first-year lū'au. One writer made it all about the mother, thinking it marked the point of dnninishing demands on her tnne. Concerns were also raised about the cost and guest list. This reflects Westernized thinking. Let's talk about Hawaiian traditions surrounding arrival of a newborn into the 'ohana. Traditionally, the entire 'ohana was involved in preparations for the new child. Kawena Puku'i is clear, the 'ohana's responsibility to the unbom and young infant, is "protecting from evil, blessing with good things, (and) providing prestige, well-being and

happiness." Thus, the 'ohana and mother are charged with rigorously protecting the "soundness of (infant's) body" beginning prenatally and extending throughout life. Food eaten by an expectant mother must be rich in protective nutrients and weight gain carefully monitored. Hawaiians believe that parental behaviors and a mother's food choices greatly inlluenee the unborn child's nature and character. The focus is a healthy child. Traditionally, the first "celebration" occurred within the first 24 hours of birth. At the "'aha'aina māwaewae (path clearing)" sacrament, the iimnediate family dedicated the infant to the 'aumākua (ancestral guardians) and set his feet on the spiritual path of his mākua. A pig, raised especially for this event, was prepared with several kino lau of Lono. 'Ama'ama (mullet) and/or āholehole, and leaves from the Ipu o Lono kalo

were offered and eaten. Mahiki shrimp, limu kala (seaweed), and 'a'ama crab were eaten to help free the newbom from malicious influences, preventing bad behavior and ill luek. The mollusk, kuapa'a (hold fast), was required to secure goodness, fmnly, in the hearts of family who were present and who ate the food. The mother and family ate all the food representing Lono and focused on the infant's spiritual and physical welfare. At the end of a year, a larger festivity, the 'aha'aina pālala, was given for the child. The 'aha'aina pālala is to dedicate a lifetime of love, teaching, supervision and purpose for the child. Extended 'ohana and friends participated and expressed their devotion and great aloha. Gifts offered included prayers, mele (chants) and hula. Family and friends brought something to add to the meal or festivities, and everyone participated

in expressing the 'ohana's pride and happiness. Over time, the 'aha'aina pālala evolved into the first-year lū'au. Kawena Puku'i noted that modem celebrations hold little of the original aloha spirit of the 'aha'aina pālala. Hawaiians understood how fragile the first year of life is. Ponder these recent facts. Worldwide, about 2 million babies die within their first 24 hours. The U.S. newborn survival rate ranks near the bottom among industrialized nations. The infant death rate of 6.3 per 1,000 births puts the U.S. in 33rd plaee among nations. In 2004, Hawai'i reported 104 deaths of children younger than one year, giving Hawai'i a ranking of 15th among U.S. states (with 1 being the best and 50 being the worst). A year ago, this eolumn reported that among all of Hawai'i's mothers, Native Hawaiian women have more "adverse (poor) pregnancy outcomes" and have 26 percent of all new birth-defect cases. Studies showed most of these challenges

are due to higher use of aleohol, drugs and cigarettes during pregnancy by Hawaiian mothers. What about that ehain of heredity and heritage from ancestors? Perpetuating the cycle of mana is our earthly kuleana. Currently, it's a huge challenge! The problem is evident, the solutions are not easy. However, it is our problem to wrestle with and solve. Let's do something, quickly, to assure the health of the next generation and perpetuation of mana from our ancestors. 3

OLAKINO ■ Y0UR HEALĪH

By Claire Ku'uleilani Hughes, Dr. PH„ R.D.

Hawūiians view infonts os links in o ehoin of heredity ond heritoge. Photo: Arna Johnson