Laka and Lono
Hula Goddess and God of Peace
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).
O Lono! Lono, the messenger god of fertility, harvest and playing games!
We crave the playfulness of your spirit and cleansing rains of your clouds!
We surround ourselves with your peace.
‘Amama, so let it be.
Lono can appear in multiple Kino Laus (forms). Continually shifting and changing, Lono’s rain clouds sweep across the sky. He is the life-giving force of rainwater.
Lono’s essence makes our love and lives come alive.
Lono’s high headdress represents the conscious mind. His appearance signifies that good times are on the horizon. Lono brings winter storms and the rainbows that follow them. He reminds us that we must care for our crops before we can harvest them.
Lono inspires the energy to complete a cycle.
Abundance is about to be harvested! Don’t forget to share the fruits of your efforts!
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 Hawaiian Art Dolls, Laka and Lono.
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