05-25-2016, 07:54 AM
During the recent Merrie Monarch Hula Competition, there was much discussion about the cultural and religious significance of the ohia tree and lehua blossom in the dances and chants. Ohia was mentioned far more often than Mauna Kea.
So my question is, where are the Protectors in this crisis? Shouldn't they be gathering their 60,000 Facebook supporters and contributing in some way, either by donations to fund research, or contacting their Federal, State and Kingdom/Nation representatives as staunch advocates for the preservation of their culture? If the ohia is one of the most important plants in Native Hawaiian lore, and ohia forests cover immense areas of the island, wouldn't the destruction of those forests result in the loss of a major part of Hawaiian history as described throughout the centuries?
Ohia is a tree with immense cultural significance, symbolizing strength, beauty, and sanctity. It is considered the physical manifestation of Ku, one of the four principal Hawaiian deities. The wood was used in sacred structures for heiau (temples) and for weapons and tools. The red, orange, and yellow lehua blossoms are a symbol of Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes. The Ohia is entwined with the art of hula, with its flowers and foliage frequently adorning the dancers and presented as offerings by traditional halau (hula schools).
http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch/view.php?id=306
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