Can you hear the heart beat of the Pahu Pule (prayer drum)? It announces the arrival of Lono, the god of the land, of peace and prosperity, of the rain, the thunder and the winds.
Lono's appearance signifies that good fortune in all areas of life is ready to be harvested.
"Ou kinoi Lono i ka lani,
He ao loa, he ao poko,
He ao kiei, he ao halo
He ao hoopua i ka lani
Your bodies, O Lono, are in the heavens
A long cloud, a short cloud
A watchful cloud,
An overlooking cloud in the heavens"
According to legend, Lono descended from the heavens to earth on a rainbow in order to marry Laka, Goddess of the Hula. Lono could take on many different Kino lau (body forms) , such as rain clouds shifting and changing in the sky, followed by rainbows.
Rainwater is a life giving force. Lono's essence makes our lives come alive.
Lono was also the god of peace. In his honor, the great annual festival of Makahiki was held.
In ancient times the Makali'i (Pleiades) rising to greet the Hawaiian land, marked the start of the great Makahiki Festival and arrival of Lono. The festival was dedicated to the god of rain and agriculture.
For four months Hawaiians shifted their focus to Lono, honoring his Mana (spiritual energy) to invoke his blessings and a bountiful harvest. They called him Lono Makua; Lono the Provider.
All Hawaiians would participate in elaborate and complex religious rituals. The time of the Makahiki represented a major change in their way of life. Heiaus were built to pray for rain, abundant crops and protection from sickness and trouble.
War was kapu (forbidden) and everybody stopped working. An abundance of food was cooked in the Imu (underground oven). Before the people ate, they first showed their gratitude and respect by honoring Lono with Ho‘okupu (offerings) of the food and their harvest.
The Makahiki was also a time of conserving resources. The gathering of certain limu (seaweeds), I‘a (fish) or ‘Ai (foods) was Kapu (forbidden). This way balance was maintained and foods were allowed to replenish naturally.
In the playful spirit of Lono, the Makahiki was a time of rest, fun, games, dances and feasts. It was a time for pleasure, new growth and regeneration.
Menehune Doll
Lono was created in honor of peace and abundance.
Birth Date: Ianuali 3, 2016 (01-01-16)
Lono's appearance signifies that good fortune in all areas of life is ready to be harvested.
Can you hear the heart beat of the Pahu Pule (prayer drum)? It announces the arrival of Lono, the bringer of peace, prosperity and good fortune. The Menehunes jump up and down with excitement! Lono is coming and the great Makahiki festival is about to begin! They will have 4 months of fun, games, stories, dances and feasts. Lono, their Makua (provider), will ensure abundance and good fortune in all areas of life.
Lono was named after the Hawaiian God of Peace and Prosperity. Everybody is enchanted by his playful spirit and powerful Mana (spiritual energy).
Being around Lono ensures prosperity and a bountiful harvest.
Lono always reminds the Menehunes to never forget about sharing their abundance with everybody.
Lono’s Tutu (grandmother) sewed his black Malu (wraparound) and the red belt. She wove her Mana (spiritual energy) and Aloha (love) into Lono's Maile Haku (head lei), wrist and ankle leis. In Hawaii Maile is the lei of eternal love. It represents spiritual strength and unity and is believed to link to the divine.
Lono's hair is braided in the back in honor of the Akuas (gods).
Lono's Kuku (grandfather) blesses the Pahu Pule. Many years ago it was crafted out of bamboo and decorated with little black Honus (turtles). The Hawaiian Honu represents long life, safety, peace, and good luck. Following tradition, it has been handed down through generations. Now the time has come for Kuku to offer it to his grandson. Lono is greatly honored to be the chosen drummer of the sacred Pahu Pule.
All these things were Kuku's and Tutu’s sacred gifts of Aloha (Love) to their beloved Mo’opuna Kane (grandson).
Chanting to the heart beat of his Pahu Pule, Lono honors his sister Pele while they rejoice in the Mana of peace and happiness of the sacred Hawaiian Ohia Forest.
Lono is about 4” tall fitting in the palm of your hand. The body is made out of stretch cotton and wired for flexibility. The eyes and mouth are intricately embroidered onto the face. Lono has little hands, feet, ears, buttocks, and a belly button. All accessories were individually handcrafted.
Lono is a one of a kind collectible display dolls handcrafted by Hawaiian Dolls. He comes with his story and a certificate of authenticity.
Being around Lono ensures prosperity and a bountiful harvest.
