Ancient Hawaiians did not have a written language. Hence, in
order to pass down the knowledge of the elders, chants (mele) or dances (hula) were developed, memorized, and regularly performed.
Although, today, there is a written Hawaiian language, there are those who feel much is lost when going from a mele or hula to the written word.
In addition, there are those in the Hawaiian community who say hula should not be used for another purpose, such as a competition. And, for the most part, it isn't. But once a year, at about this time, various hula halau (Hawaiian dance studios) gather on the Big Island of Hawai'i to dance in competition.
The Merrie Monarch Festival, begun over 40 years ago and named for the Hawaiian King David Kalaukaua, is considered to be the ultimate in hula.
The Festival is intended to act as "is the focal point and catalyst that supports and draws together an extensive network of instructional hula studios, hula masters, instructors, researchers, professors of Hawaiian studies and students of all ages who are committed to the perpetuation and advancement of the Hawaiian history and culture."
It is meeting its mission through this competition. Every year, the halau go deeper into the culture and meaning of the dances. Every year, that knowledge is spread farther. Thus, old information is brought to light and new traditions are initiated. In doing so, Hawaiian culture is being perpetuated.
Aloha!
