Lei Day is May Day in Hawai'iMay Day is an important tradition in our state, and is complete with Hawaiian music, dance, and of course lei. It became an official statewide celebration in 1929 and still continues to this day. Various schools participate in this event; they choose a court of different students to emulate the Hawaiian Monarchy and all their people in waiting. The different grades honor the court by engaging in different performances to Hawaiian music. Every school and island has a different way to celebrate May Day, but the purpose of it stays the same. This day is a way to preserve Hawaiian culture and spread the aloha spirit. Leis symbolize different meanings such as greeting, farewell, love, hope, and joy. These are the few of many meanings the lei symbolizes. We here at St. Anthony have a very long history of perpetuating this tradition, and for this, we celebrate! SpotlightSpotlight Questions - Kumu Koa, Kaui, What does May Day mean to you? Kumu - “A celebration of Hawaiian culture that shows aloha spirit. It also incorporates various ethnic traditions and invokes the Hawaiian pride.” Kaui gr 6 - “A celebration.” Leilani Gr 8 - “A celebration of the Hawaiian culture.” Favorite part about May Day? Kumu - “When the students come together to showcase their talents and to see their growth in the students that have never hula before, perform at the ho'ike.” Kaui gr 6 - “The performances.” Leilani Gr 8 - “Hula Dancing.” What was your Most memorable May Day moment? Kumu - “All are memorable because each one is unique in its own ways. But my most special one was when my daughter was the queen in 2004.” Kaui gr 6 - “Being a princess.” Leilani Gr 8 - “When I performed at a luau.” Is May Day important to you? Kumu - “Yes.” Kaui gr 6 - “Yes.” Leilani Gr 8 - “Yes.” Why do you think it is important to keep the May Day memories alive? Kumu - “It perpetuates our Hawaiian culture. Also the chants and hula that are done recognize places and various composers throughout the island.” Kaui gr 6 - “Because May Day is a time that we gather and dance for our audience.” Leilani Gr 8 - “Because it's a part of the Hawaiian culture.” How did you celebrate May Day before St Anthony? Kumu - “We had a may day program, the student body would get involved. Each class performed the hula in front their school and family.” Kaui gr 6 - “We danced to Hawaiian songs.” Leilani Gr 8 - “At my old school we danced hula.” When was your first May Day? Kumu - “Kindergarten.” Kaui gr 6 - “First grade.” Leilani Gr 8 - “When I was four.” How many May days have you participated in or have watched? Kumu - “Over 50.” Kaui gr 6 - “Four May Days.” Leilani Gr 8 - “Eleven.” Do you have a Favorite type of performance or dance that you would like to see during May Day? Kumu - “Kahiko and other cultures performances.” Kaui gr 6 - “A dance to Hawaiian song.” Leilani Gr 8 - “Auana.” Have you ever performed during a May Day? If so what did you do? Or favorite part of your performance? Kumu - “Yes. Oli and hula.” Kaui gr 6 - “Yes. In fifth grade I was the princess for the council.” Leilani Gr 8 - “Yeah. I danced hula. My favorite part was dancing hula.” Q&A- Student BodyQ & A By Tai K., Jairo B., Jacob G. What was your first memory of May Day that you can remember? Bryson: Prince in kindergarten Shailee: Being really scared dancing in 1st grade Kashus: I was prince for kindergarten Masako: In first grade, I was scared because of a big audience Alex: In kindergarten, I danced and sang to “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride.” Makana: 3 grade at Pomaikai School What was your favorite part of May Day? Explain. Bryson:Being in court dancing hula Shailee: Being on the court Kashus: Hanging out with friends Masako: We chanted a new chant called, “Ehiona.” Alex: Nothing Makana:Watching and performing the dances, the vibe If there was one thing that you would change about May Day, what would change and why? Bryson: Nothing Shailee: In first grade, I was super scared during May Day. Kashus: Giving us more practice so we don’t have to cram everything. Masako: Nothing because it was perfect the way it was. Alex: Dancing, because it was stressful for the students. Makana: At my other schools we did it outside. Out of all the May Day's that you performed, what was your favorite? Explain. Bryson: The fifth grade May Day because it was my favorite. Shailee: The Queen dance. Kashus: Seventh grade May Day because we sang. Masako: Fifth grade May Day because it was my last May Day in grade school. Alex: Grade School May Day Makana: My seventh grade May Day because it was the most fun. If you had to perform at May Day, what would you perform? Why? Bryson: Perform as a person who sits down and watches the show. Shailee: I would do my fifth grade performance again. Kashus: The performance that we did in fourth grade because there was a lot of movements. Masako: Dance to “The Sound Of Silence.” Alex: I’m too shy to dance or sing Makana: I do not know IllustrationBy: Leilani and Makana Hawaiian word/phrase of the weekMahalo Kumu Koa for sharing your knowledge in 'Ōlelo Hawai'i. Each week we will feature a new word of phrase to continue to learn, and perpetuate the importance of the culture of our islands. Ka‘analike – Share
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Mrs. AlexanderSt. Anthony Middle School Explorations, Journalism. Archives
May 2019
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