Laka, Hawaiian Hula Goddess
E Laka ē, hoʻoulu ʻia.
O Laka, inspire us.
Laka's Mana is Ho'oulu (making to grow). Following Laka's inspiration transforms hula into a magnificent dance.
Hula is an essential part of life in Hawaii. Hula is a sacred ritual, a form of worship, a spiritual practice and discipline. Respectfully the dancers follow strict traditions when they pick the plants for their costumes and the Hula Kuahu (altar). Laka is also Goddess of the forest. Her Mana inspires the forest to grow and thrive. Honoring Laka, we humbly ask her permission before we enter the sacred forest and pick the plants.
Each plant enforces the connection between Laka and the dancer.
To invoke Laka's inspiration, the Hula Kuahu (altar) and dancer are adorned with her Kinolaus (many forms):
Maile symbolizes the umbilical cord which ties the dancer to Laka.
The wood of the Lehua tree is male and Lehua, the flower is female. They create a union between the masculine and feminine and 'allow the two to dance'.
Pili, the clinging grass is placed on the altar, so that all of Laka's Ha'awinas (lessons) will cling to the dancers.
The sweet smell of 'Iliahi (sandalwood) inspires the performance of the dancer as well as the audience.
Each plant enforces the connection between Laka and the dancer.
To invoke Laka's inspiration, the Hula Kuahu (altar) and dancer are adorned with her Kinolaus (many forms):
Maile symbolizes the umbilical cord which ties the dancer to Laka.
The wood of the Lehua tree is male and Lehua, the flower is female. They create a union between the masculine and feminine and 'allow the two to dance'.
Pili, the clinging grass is placed on the altar, so that all of Laka's Ha'awinas (lessons) will cling to the dancers.
The sweet smell of 'Iliahi (sandalwood) inspires the performance of the dancer as well as the audience.
The spirit of Laka dances through the dancer. The dancer and Laka become one, dancing inspired hula.
Laka means gentle, docile, attract. Many legends tell about Laka's fruitfulness. She is often referred to as the Goddess of Love. As the 'Giver of All Things' ancient chants ask Laka to attract love and wealth.
Mele Kuahu
Altar Prayer
E Laka ē
O Goddess Laka
Pūpū weuweu e Laka ē
O wildwood bouquet, O Laka
E Laka i ka leo
O Laka, queen of the voice
E Laka i ka loaʻa
O Laka, giver of gifts
E Laka i ka waiwai
O Laka, giver of bounty
E Laka i nā mea a pau.
O Laka, giver of all things.
M
www.Etsy.com
M
The island of Molokai is said to be the birthplace of hula. According to legend, Laka journeyed through the islands, sharing the dance with all who wished to learn. Her graceful movements channeled spiritual meaning and brought to life the history, traditions and genealogy of the Hawaiian people.
Laka gave birth to the Hawaiian hula on the sacred hill Puu Nana in Molokai. It is said that the remains of Laka herself were secretly hidden beneath this hill.
Laka's inspiring Mana teaches us many valuable Ha'awinas (lessons). A truly great performance in any area of life is the result of a person's discipline, positive feelings, and Aloha spirit.
The enchanting Mana of Hawaii's Hula Goddess inspired the creation of Menehune Girl Laka.
Laka, the Hula Goddess
(Rising Sun and Compassion)
Birth Date: Kepakemapa 28, 2017 (09/28/17)
Aloha Mai
I come with love.
Laka connects our hearts and actions with Aloha.
Focus on your higher purpose, choose wisely
and you will grow, flourish and blossom in unlimited possibilities!
The sacred drumming of the Ipu Heke (gourd drum) echoes
across the 'Aina (land) as Laka dances and chants with the Akuas (spirits) of
the Ohia Forest
The graceful movements of her hands and body tell stories
about the wonders of nature, the creation of the world and the traditions
of the Hawaiian people.
The Menehune Ohana (family) watches in awe as the harmony of
Hula and chant attunes them to spirit and gladdens their heart.
Laka's name means compassion. She is named after Hawaii 's Hula Goddess.
Laka's Tutu (grandmother) is her Kumu Hula (Hula Teacher).
She taught her the powerful chants and movements of the Hula.
Tutu handcrafted the traditional green hula skirt and
coconut shell top for Laka.
Tutu wove a green and yellow feather Haku (head lei), ankle
and wrist leis for her granddaughter and wrapped a long white conch shell
necklace around her neck. The Hulu (feather) represents spiritual strength,
unity and love. It is believed to link to the divine.
All these precious things were Tutu’s gifts of Aloha (Love)
to her Mo’opuna Wahine (granddaughter).
Laka is a 10” tall cloth doll who was individually
handcrafted on the Big Island of Hawaii with the greatest love and respect for
all that is Hawaii. Her body is made out of doll skin and stuffed with high quality
poly fill. The body is wired for flexibility. The legs are jointed. The eyes
and mouth are intricately embroidered onto the face.
All accessories are individually hand crafted.
Each doll is an original design and comes with a booklet and
a certificate of authenticity.
Laka is a one of a kind Hawaiian Art Doll. Every bit of her has been lovingly
handcrafted, to create a new friend who will last a lifetime.
Laka reflects the Aloha spirit of Hawaii.
She is ready to be your new friend
and dance her way into your heart.
Huggable Hawaiian Art Dolls are made for the young at heart
and meant to bring their magic into your and your children's life (6 years and older).
Huggable Hawaiian Art Dolls are adorable and lovable little
creatures. If you hanai (adopt) them, love them and take care of them, they
will reward you with their unconditional Aloha (love).
www.Etsy.com
