B Rev. Dr. Bernadette K. Park
Ancient Hawaiian cultural traditions include ho’ao pa’a (marriage), a custom by which a man and a woman were bound in a lasting union’ a man was not to desert his wife nor a woman her husband. At one time unions were divided into two classes, those in which a man took many wives and a woman took many husbands, and the more commonplace marriage of the one wife and one husband arrangement. In ancient times, it was the aristocracy and privileged who were permitted more than one wife or husband.
The makua (parents) of the kane (boy) and the wahine (girl) whishint to marry discussed the matter umong themselves first. After the parents had reached an agreement, the kane and wahine were invited to hear the wishes of the respective parents, and if agreeable, the two were united with a ho hiki aku (vow) which commanded them to take care of each other. They were told to work in order to prepare for a life together. When the advising was pau (ended), the kane and wahine would honi (embrace) to seal the pact, and they became husband and wife. This marriage was considered binding until death.
Another tradition of ho’ao pa’a was for the man’s makua to send a messenger with ho’okupu (gifts) to the woman and the parents. They were valuable ho’okupu of hulu (feathers) of the mamo and brids for leis or capes, finely designed pawehi (mats), pearls, ivory, tapa, fish nets, fish lines, iron adzes, pigs, dogs, fowl, poi and la’au (herbal, medicinal plants). Then, the woman’s makua would in return send a messenger with lou (hooks) or lou ‘ulu (breadfruit hooks), attesting to the betrothal of the tow parties in a bond of marriage. As the marriage day approached, the relatives of the kane and wahine would prepare for a luau (feast). The man’s relatives build the hale (house) to host the marriage ceremony and feast, and both families prepared the food.
On the marriage day, the woman’s relative gathered her property and other wai wai (goods) upon a decorated manele (stretcher) to the home of husband-to-be. Upon receiving them, the family of the husband-to-be gave the relatives of the woman rich gifts and land, if they had it. The woman’s relatives would offer the same. This last exchange on the wedding day sealed the relationship between the two families for a lifetime.
An appropriate oil (chant) of ancient Hawaii was spoken by the kahu (leader or minister) to help to guide the matrimonial ceremony. Friends and family were encouraged to participate in the chanting as well. A kappa (or tapa) was prepared ahead of time by beating bark till it resembled cloth. Vibrant colors, using dyes extracted from plants were worked into designs on the kappa. This cloth was draped over the couple or held behind them throughout the ceremony, until, at the end, they were enfolded in it. The kappa was the enclosure in which the wedded couple would consummate their marriage, to the encouragement of their families and friends.
A common thread in the tradition was that couples would marry on the “huna moon” which was the eleventh day of the month at sunrise, the beginning of a new day.
Bibliography:
Ka Poe Kahiko, The People of Old
by Samuel Manaikalani Kamakau; 1931
Bishop Museum Press; A me Kumu John Lake;
HWM Arts and Culture, April 2005
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