Sam Peralta
Feb 3 2019
HWN 261
Na Mele Lähui
Na mele Lähui are nationalist songs that are in support, establish and or strengthen Hawaii’s Independence. Many mele Lähui are written between the overthrow and the illegal annexation of Hawaii to the United States. On ulukau.org there are recorded 111+ mele Lähui which can be found in the “Buke mele Lähui”, which says that between the years 1880 - 1890+ was a booming voice of the Hawaiian people in the steadfastness resilience towards the political disturbance from the Americas.
Na mele Lähui included songs that established nationalist oaths of allegiance to Hawaii using such terms and phrases like“kupa’a” stand firm,
“mahope makou o Liliulani” we support Liliʻuokalani, and the slogan “no ka poe i aloha i ka aina” of the people who love the land. Other types of mele lähui expression included mele about the national heroes and their stories, trials, and accomplishments while other mele Lähui focused on the individual expression and perception of the current mood, feelings, and stances concerning the political climate of that time. It was noted that mele Lähui did not follow any kind of distinct pattern of writing style the main purpose of it was for political expression.
“mahope makou o Liliulani” we support Liliʻuokalani, and the slogan “no ka poe i aloha i ka aina” of the people who love the land. Other types of mele lähui expression included mele about the national heroes and their stories, trials, and accomplishments while other mele Lähui focused on the individual expression and perception of the current mood, feelings, and stances concerning the political climate of that time. It was noted that mele Lähui did not follow any kind of distinct pattern of writing style the main purpose of it was for political expression.
In an article called “I Ka ‘Olelo No Ke Ola: Understanding Indigenous Hawaiian History and Politics Through Hawaiian Language Sources” by Noenoe K. Silva and J. Leilani Basham these two women deepen the understanding and insight of the explosion and the need on how and why Mele Lähui is more than poetry or a past time, but is key in the understanding of the injustice and complexities of Hawaii and its relations to the calvinist missionaries and descendants, power hungry europeans and americans, and the people of the Lähui Hawai’i responses and actions to the battles going on. Quoting the article on mele Lähui:
“..mele of this type were continuously published on a regular basis in several newspapers between 1893 and annexation in 1898, creating a body of mele numbering more than three hundred. These mele lähui are full of detailed historical information on the events of the overthrow, as well as language of admiration for the heroes of the Kanaka. In addition, there is a great deal of language of insult and disparagement for the members of the Committee of Safety and U.S. Minister Stevens. Most importantly, and far outweighing these, are mele that contain expressions of admiration for the lähui (nation, people), the Queen, her government, and even her symbols of leadership and independence, her throne and her palace.” Researching some about mele Lähui has sparked a whole field of unexplored territory of ideas in my mind that I would like to explore more.
In 1866 an anthem for the Nation of Hawaii was composed by Queen Liliuokalani called “He Mele Lähui Hawaii”. I was able to listen to the anthem for the first time while reading the lyrics and I was deeply moved in my spirit. And in my mind I was deeply troubled by the idea that after 15-20+ years after this anthem, was the illegal occupation and annexation by the United States military and Americans. In closing in 1895 Liliuokalani composes “Ke Aloha o ka Haku” while she is imprisoned at Iolani Palace, she is baffled at how the missionaries have not acted like the Christ they have professed. But yet choses to reference the same religion that ironically had imprisoned her. And in Hawaiian like fashion she is able to protest and address complex issues using her knowledge, wisdom, and authority to speak to the oppressor and Lähui with one in the same song with possibly two very different meanings. To the oppressor showing that the Hawaiian people are practicing the christian faith at higher levels than those missionaries of greed and lust, and possibly to the Hawaiian people, to not lose hope and to remember that there is a Higher power and accountability all will have to face one day.
REFERENCES:
- ULUKAU.ORG (BUKE MELE ALOHA AINA)
- I Ka ‘Olelo No Ke Ola: Understanding Indigenous Hawaiian History and Politics Through Hawaiian Language Sources
Noenoe K. Silva and J. Leilani Basham - Nā Kaona o Ke Aloha o Ka Haku: The Hidden Meanings of The Queen's Prayer March 20, 2015
Lilinoe Kauahikau
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