A history of resilience to preserve and save their own culture, land, and people from Colonization that lives on to the present day. Policies to restore Hawaiian traditions that were banned in the early 19th century implemented by many monarchs that came after especially toward the end of the 19th century and until the last Monarch of Hawaii, Queen Liliuokalani. Since the forced annexation of Hawaii to the United States, there have been endless efforts to restore traditions and sovereignty for the Hawaiian people over their own land and culture.
口承と語り
文字が存在する以前、語りとは、人々が若い世代に情報や伝統、知識を伝える方法だった。ハワイのストーリーテリングは、言葉だけにとどまらず、メレ（歌）、オリ（詠唱）、フラ（舞踊）を包括している点で際立っている。
メレ（歌）とオリ（詠唱）は、物語を語る上で欠かせない音楽形態である。メレには楽器のあるものとないものがあり、チャントは物語を伝えるだけでなく、人々や場所を称えるために使われる。フラは単なるダンスではなく、歴史や系譜、祖先の知識をより鮮明に理解するための、力強いストーリーテリングなのだ。
In the Hawaiian language, Moolelo means story. The word is made up of two parts, moo meaning succession and olelo meaning language or the spoken word. Olelo is central to Hawaiian storytelling, with an emphasis on accurate transmission of narratives. Thus, story is the “succession of language”, as stories in Hawaiian culture encompasses history, legend, and tradition, highlighting the role of storytelling in preserving the past.
Storytelling in Hawaii culture branches out to include daily events, this refers to “talk story” in which informal conversations about stories, opinions, and history are shared, fostering connection and community.
If there are words for stories and for different forms of storytelling, the Hawaiian language also has a word for receiving knowledge and information. “Apo” refers to the ability to receive, memorize, and recite spoken words, emphasizing the importance of accurate transmission in the Hawaiian oral tradition.
The role of storytelling has been a major way for Hawaii people to preserve and pass on their culture to the next generation. Traditionally, storytellers were highly respected members of society; especially those knowledgeable in history and genealogy. Stories in Hawaii culture have always been beyond entertainment, they teach the younger generation about behavior, values, and traditions.
文化的実践
ストーリーテリングと同様に、ハワイの文化にはさまざまな形で多くの慣習があり、それぞれが原住民と土地、そしてコミュニティとの精神的な結びつきを強めている。
フラやメレといった伝統芸能は、ハワイの人々が物語を通して自分たちのルーツとつながることを受け入れる文化的実践である。フラのパフォーマンスやメレは儀式的なものであったが、今日ではハワイの人々を結びつける芸術として実践されている。
体力と精神力を鍛える伝統的なスポーツやゲーム：マカヒキ・ゲームは、古代ハワイの収穫、平和、祝祭の時期であるマカヒキ・シーズンの中心的な役割を担っていた。力、技術、戦略を競うこれらの競技は、単なる娯楽ではなく、戦士の訓練や準備として、また農耕、豊穣、平和の神であるロノ神を称えるためのものでもあった。
Beyond activities, Hawaiians embrace the concept of ohana to foster a sense of belonging and shared responsibility. Ohana is the idea of family to the wider community, on the surface level, this is achieved with respectful greetings and learning from elders (kupuna).
自然と天然資源の尊重
The deep connection with their land and traditional practices to preserve this connection is another way of Hawaii’ people’s resilience against colonization.
Traditional practices that tighten the connection of the Hawaiian people to their land such as loi kalo (taro farming), fishing, and canoe building. These traditions are often done communally to teach malama aina (stewardship of the land) and the physical strength of unity.
In Hawaiian cosmology, rocks (pohaku) and sand (one) are considered sacred and are not meant to be removed by humans; especially not to be kept for souvenirs. Because the land is considered a living ancestor, born from the gods Wakea (Sky Father) and Papahanaumoku (Earth Mother), rocks and sand are seen as part of the family of creation.
Rather than sacrificing everything for wealth, historically, Hawaii people followed a strict code of conduct that promoted respect, balance, and sustainability in their relationship with nature. The Kapu system, even though is no longer a law, the concept remains widely respected.
教育と言語再生
Even though their language was once banned to be spoken by natives in public and at home, in the past 50 years, there has been tremendous effort from Hawaiian people to revitalize and educate their language, Olelo Hawaii, to younger generations. Through a variety of strategies, older generations of Hawaiian have been able to help the next generation recognize the deep connection of language to cultural identity and heritage.
家庭と地域社会における言語使用の促進：
One of the most vital ways to revitalize Olelo Hawaii is to encourage every household to use the language at home, and with other people in the community. Parents and grandparents are encouraged to speak Hawaiian at home and pass it down to their children and grandchildren. People within the community established programs to provide classes for children and adults to learn Olelo Hawaii, creating a supportive environment for learning and using their native language outside of schools and the workplace. Especially with immersion schools, which are conducted in Olelo Hawaii, allowing children to learn the language naturally and comprehensively.
Besides classes and programs, Hawaiian language festivals and cultural workshops are organized to provide opportunities for Hawaiians to practice speaking Olelo Hawaii in person and with real life topics.
適応と革新
Historically, hula and luau are only performed for spiritual purposes. Today, to preserve their tradition, hula is a form of art that is spread to other parts of the world and it is practiced by people around the globe. Especially in Japan, hula is widely practiced and respected.
よくあるご質問
How do Hawaiians help protect and promote the learning of Olelo Hawaii through legal support and policies?
In 1978, The Hawaiian language, also known as Olelo Hawaii, was recognized as an official language of the state of Hawaii after being banned in schools in 1893. This was a result of amendments made to the state’s constitution during the 1978 State Constitutional Convention. Since then, Hawaiian people and the state government have put many efforts into establishing language schools, programs and even incorporating Olelo Hawaii in official documents. With the rise of technology, Hawaiian language is being used increasingly in radio, television, apps, and websites, making the language more accessible and visible to younger generations.
What is the concept of Ohana in Hawaiian culture?
In Hawaiian culture, ohana is more than just the word for “family.” Ohana is a deeply rooted concept that shapes the way people relate to one another, to their land (aina), and to their heritage. Ohana (pronounced oh-HAH-nah) comes from the word oha, meaning the shoot of a taro plant (kalo). In Hawaiian belief, humans are genealogically tied to kalo, which is seen as an elder sibling. Just as the shoots grow and support each other, so do families. Therefore, ohana is the symbol of the interconnection among people, growth, and responsibility.
ハワイの人々は、文化が消滅しかけた後、どのようにして文化を復興させたのだろうか？
After decades of cultural suppression, the Hawaiian people revitalized their culture by reclaiming their traditions and securing legal support to protect them. Language revitalization, reclaiming and promoting traditional practices, and land stewardship are some of the many ways for Hawaiians to reconnect with their heritage. Countless efforts have been made through laws and policies to protect the use of Olelo Hawaii and many more traditions that were banned in the 19th to the first half of the 20th century.
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