Laka and Lono
Hula Goddess and God of Peace and Fertility
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 thing.
Lono is the
Hawaiian God of fertility, agriculture, rainfall, music and peace. He was one
of the four gods, along with Kū, Kāne, and Kanaloa, who existed before the
world was created.
In planting ceremonies,
Lono, the Provider was worshipped for his blessings of rain to nourish the
crops.
As the God
of Peace, the ancient annual festival of the Makahiki was held in Lono’s honor.
During this time, from October through February, war and unnecessary work was
kapu (forbidden).
In Hawaiian mythology,
Lono descended to Earth on a rainbow
to marry Laka, the Hawaiian Hula Goddess.
Laka's Mana
is Ho'oulu (making to grow). Following Laka's inspiration transforms hula into
a magnificent dance. 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.
Hula is an
essential part of life in Hawaii. Hula is a sacred ritual, a form of worship, a
spiritual practice and discipline. The spirit of Laka dances through the
dancer. The dancer and Laka become one, dancing inspired hula.
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 along with Lono’s blessings inspire the forest to grow and thrive.
Honoring Laka and Lono, we humbly ask 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 and Lono’s inspiration, the Kuahu (altar) is adorned with their Kinolaus
(many forms):
Maile
symbolizes the umbilical cord which ties the dancer to Laka.
The wood of
the Ohia 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 and Lono’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.
Laka's and
Lono’s inspiring Mana teach 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 and the God of Peace and Fertility
inspired the creation of Menehune Dolls, Laka and Lono.
Laka and Lono (Compassion and Peace)
Birth Date: Kepakemapa 16, 2018 (09/16/18)
Aloha Mai
I come with love.
Laka and Lono connect 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 and Lono dance, drum and chant with the Akuas (spirits) of
the Island under the sweet smelling Plumeria Tree, which symbolizes positivity,
creation and recreation.
The graceful movements of their hands and bodies
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 Ipu Heke,
Hula and chant attunes them to spirit and gladdens their heart.
Laka and Lono are Menehune Mahoes (twins) and inseparable. Laka is
named after Hawaii's Hula Goddess. Lono is named after the great ancestral
Hawaiian God of Peace and Fertility.
Tutu (grandmother) is their Kumu Hula (Hula Teacher). She taught them
the powerful chants and movements of the Hula.
Tutu sewed Laka's skirt and top and Lono’s loincloth. She handcrafted
the traditional hula skirt.
Tutu wove a green and yellow feather Haku (head lei) and wrist leis for
her granddaughter. The Hulu (feather) represents spiritual strength, unity and
love. It is believed to link to the divine.
Tutu also wove Lono’s Maile lei. In Hawaii Maile Leaves are used for
protection and purification.
Hawaiian gourds grow on a vine. Tutu picked 2 of the most beautiful of
the Ipus for Lono's Ipu Heke. Tutu cleaned, polished and blessed the Ipu Heke
with Hawaiian salt and special prayers. The gourd drum is sacred now. It was
created for Lono and only he is allowed to touch it. The Ipu Heke became Lono’s
most treasured possession.
All these precious things were Tutu’s gifts of Aloha (Love) to her
Mo’opunas.
Laka and Lono are about 4” tall fitting
in the palm of your hand. The bodies are made out of stretch cotton. The eyes
and mouth are intricately embroidered onto the face. Laka and Lono have tiny
little hands and feet, ears, buttocks, and belly buttons.
Their doll stand is a custom size, polished and varnished slice of
pinewood with a handcrafted Plumeria tree.
All accessories were individually handcrafted.
Doll care:
Gently brush the dolls and their clothing with a soft dry toothbrush to remove
dust. Always brush the faces and bodies upwards towards the hair.
Laka and Lono are one of a kind display dolls handcrafted by Hawaiian
Dolls. They are collector’s
items bringing you the spiritual power of Hawaii. Laka and Lono come with their story and a certificate of authenticity.
Laka and Lono are ready to be your
new friends and dance their way into your heart.
Laka's and Lono's Mana attunes us to the spirit of
Aloha.
