Unveiling the Unwritten Literature of Hawaii: The Sacred Songs of the Hula

Origins and Significance

The roots of mele hula stretch far back into the mists of time, intertwined with the very essence of Hawaiian culture. Native Hawaiians believed that the hula was a gift from the gods, a sacred art form that connected them to their ancestors, the divine realm, and the natural world.

Mele hula were not merely songs; they were repositories of knowledge, history, mythology, and cultural values. They narrated tales of creation, the deeds of legendary heroes, and the genealogy of Hawaiian chiefs. These songs were passed down orally from generation to generation, preserving the collective memory of the Hawaiian people.

Structure and Performance

Mele hula exhibit a complex and intricate structure, rooted in traditional Hawaiian musical forms. They typically consist of a series of meles, or stanzas, each characterized by its own melody, rhythm, and lyrical content. The lyrics, composed in the native Hawaiian language, are often highly poetic and evocative, employing figurative language, metaphors, and allusions to Hawaiian mythology.

Hula performance is an essential component of mele hula. The movements of the hula dancer, accompanied by the rhythmic chants, serve to illustrate and enhance the stories and emotions conveyed by the song. The hula is not merely a physical dance but a form of storytelling, where each graceful gesture and flowing movement contributes to the narrative.

Types of Mele Hula

There are numerous types of mele hula, each serving a specific purpose or occasion. Some of the most common include:

• Kahiko: Ancient, traditional mele hula that narrate historical events, mythological tales, and the genealogy of Hawaiian chiefs.
• Auana: Modern mele hula that incorporate Western musical influences, such as guitar and ukulele accompaniment.
• Oli: Chants performed without hula dance, often used for prayers, invocations, and blessings.
• Pahu: Rhythmic chants accompanied by the beating of a large drum.
• Ipu: Chants performed with the accompaniment of a gourd drum.

Cultural Impact

Mele hula have had a profound impact on Hawaiian culture throughout history. They have served as a means of preserving ancient traditions, passing down knowledge, and promoting cultural identity. In pre-contact times, hula schools were established as centers of cultural education, where young people learned the intricacies of dance, chant, and the Hawaiian language.

During periods of cultural suppression, mele hula played a vital role in the resistance movement. Native Hawaiians continued to practice hula in secret, preserving their cultural heritage despite the challenges they faced.

Today, mele hula are celebrated as a living expression of Hawaiian culture. They are performed at festivals, cultural events, and gatherings, bringing people together to share in the beauty and wisdom of this ancient art form.

Preservation and Revitalization

Recognizing the importance of preserving and revitalizing mele hula, numerous efforts have been undertaken to document, teach, and perpetuate this cultural heritage. Cultural organizations, schools, and community groups are dedicated to passing down the knowledge of mele hula to future generations.

The University of Hawaii has established the Hula Preservation Center, which serves as a repository for mele hula knowledge and provides resources for researchers and practitioners. Additionally, the Merrie Monarch Festival, an annual event held in Hilo, Hawaii, celebrates the art of hula and showcases the talents of hula dancers from around the world.

The sacred songs of the hula are an invaluable part of the unwritten literature of Hawaii. They represent a living testament to the richness and depth of Hawaiian culture, carrying within them stories, traditions, and spiritual wisdom that have shaped the Hawaiian people for centuries.

Preserving and revitalizing mele hula is not only a way to honor the legacy of our ancestors but also to ensure that the beauty and wisdom of this ancient art form continue to inspire and enrich future generations.