Ancient Hawaiians had no written language. Instead, all communication beyond the spoken word took place in the form of chants and the dance called hula. Hula and its accompanying chants recorded Hawaiian genealogy, mythology, and prayers of the heart and mind. The hula was the means by which the culture, history, stories and almost every aspect of Hawaiian life was expressed and passed down through generations.
Because the Merrie Monarch Festival has maintained strict standards of authenticity, the true history and culture of the ancient Hawaiian people is being perpetuated. Without such educational and cultural organizations as the Merrie Monarch Festival, the history and unique traditions of the Hawaiian people will be lost forever.
The annual presentation of the Merrie Monarch Festival has led to a renaissance of the Hawaiian culture that is being passed on from generation to generation. With the exception of 2008, the festival week always starts on Easter Sunday and continues with craft fairs, entertainment, and cultural demonstrations during the week. The festival includes art exhibits, craft fairs, demonstrations, performances, a parade that emphasizes the cultures of Hawaii. The three-day hula competition has received worldwide recognition for its historic and cultural significance.
In preparation of the Merrie Monarch Festival, hula studios and instructors in Hawaii and on the U.S. Mainland hold classes, workshops, and seminars throughout the year to teach the art of hula, the meaning of Hawaiian chants and songs, the Hawaiian language, the making of Hawaiian clothing and crafts, and the history of the Hawaiian people.
Through this ongoing year-round learning process, students also gain a knowledge and appreciation of the unique harmony and balance the ancient Hawaiian people maintained with their island environment. The chants, songs and dance tell stories of the Hawaiians' relationship with nature-the birds and fish, trees and flowers, mountains, oceans, rivers, wind, rain and Hawaii's active volcanoes.
Proceeds from the Merrie Monarch Festival support educational scholarships, workshops, seminars, symposiums and the continuation of the festival.
There are two divisions of group competition, the male (kane) division and the female (wahine) division. Each halau has up to seven minutes on stage, and during their performance halau are being judged on a variety of things. Just like in the Olympics judges are looking for different elements in each performance. First, there is the entrance (kai), next is the chant (oli), next is the dance (hula) and finally there is the exit off stage (hoi). Halau are scored on each aspect of the performance. Up to 30 halau compete each year. The tickets usually sell out quickly.
Category:Festivals in Hawaii Category:Hawaii County, Hawaii Category:Polynesian festivals Category:Dance festivals Category:1964 establishments Category:Cultural festivals in the United States
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